October 1: Again, Lagos State Govt Restrict Protests To Two Venues

The Lagos State Government has affirmed that the court directive limiting public protests to two designated venues Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu remains in effect ahead of the planned October 1, 2024, protest.

In a statement on Sunday, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), advised protest organisers to adhere to the court ruling to avoid disrupting social and economic activities in the state.

 He emphasized that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to the Commissioner of Police regarding maintaining public safety still stands.

The restriction on protests, issued by a Lagos High Court in August, was introduced before the “EndBadGovernance” protest and is part of efforts to manage public order. Pedro reiterated that while the governor supports the right to protest, it must be done within the confines of the law.

Pedro explained that the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, association, and assembly are not absolute, citing sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the Police Act that grant the governor authority to ensure public safety. 

He urged protest organisers to use the designated venues for their demonstration to ensure adequate protection and media coverage.

Organisers of the upcoming #FearlessOctober1 protest have insisted on proceeding with their march, set to begin at Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am, despite the restrictions. 

They have requested security from the Inspector General of Police, emphasizing their right to protest against hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.