By Desire Emmanuel
Despite the warning handed down by the Nigeria Police Force against those planning to march to the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock and other places at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, activist, Omoyele Sowore, on Saturday evening said there is no going back on the march.
Sowore disclosed this on his X handle, saying that his legal team of 215 lawyers would challenge the court order that barred any protest on Monday.
Sowore and his group have planned a protest where he said they plan to march to Aso Rock in order to protest against what he described as the continued detention of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
A court in Abuja on Friday declared the planned protest illegal while the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday urged all parties to obey the court order.
The Nigeria Police said any plan to violate the order of the court will not be allowed at the FCT.
In a statement by Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, the Nigeria Police said: “Accordingly, all intending protesters and counter-protest groups are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and to refrain from any act capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order. The Force will ensure the free flow of traffic, protection of lives and property, and security of all law-abiding citizens.
“Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry or use offensive weapons, vandalise public or private property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively. Offenders will be arrested, subjected to full investigation, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws.”
However, shortly after the police issued the statement, Sowore posted on his X handle that nothing will stop the Monday protest in Abuja.
He wrote: “Suppose a court order truly exists restricting protests around Aso Rock Villa. In that case, it begs the question: why hasn’t the same police force obtained a similar order against those protesting freely for three consecutive days, opposing Nnamdi Kanu’s release? The hypocrisy is glaring. The double standards are undeniable.
“Our legal team of 115 lawyers will challenge any alleged court order the moment we are served on Monday. But let it be known that nothing can stop this mass movement.
“October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanuNow remains sacrosanct. We march peacefully, lawfully, and powerfully.”
