FG Bans Protests In FCT

The federal government has placed a ban on protests in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello, announced the ban in a statement by his chief press secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, on Thursday.

Ogunleye said the ban followed a review of the security situation in the federal capital by the FCT Security Committee on Tuesday, in view of the recent #EndSARS protests.

The meeting was attended by the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, heads of security agencies and military formations in the FCT.

Others were senior members of staff of the FCTA, representatives of religious and traditional institutions and chairmen of Area Councils in the FCT.

The statement said the committee was concerned that despite IGP Mohammed Adamu’s disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari, “the #ENDSARS protests continued in parts of the Territory,” and were causing, “inconveniences to law abiding citizens.”

The committee said although it recognizes the rights of citizens to associate and move freely, “it has observed that the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols which were put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens.”

The statement further reads: “These violations endanger the lives of not just the demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature checks, the use of facial coverings, amongst others.

“Clearly all these guidelines were flouted by the protesters. Consequently, the Committee directs that due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT.

“The Committee also noted the progress being made in the fight against robberies in illegal and unregistered, commercial motor vehicles known as “one chance” and is committed to the introduction of innovative measures that will ensure the safety of commuters.

“It however advises commuters to continue to exercise caution and remain vigilant while boarding commercial vehicles.

“With the advent of the “Ember” months, the Committee reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of road users across the FCT in accordance with existing guidelines by relevant agencies.

“It however seeks the cooperation of residents to obey all extant traffic rules and regulations while travelling during this period.”