Federal Capital Territory Minister, Muhammad Bello has prohibited the staging of all forms of protest in Abuja.
Bello declared this during a security meeting of various heads of security agencies and military formations in the FCT, Area council chairmen, senior members of staff of the FCTA and representatives of religious and traditional institutions.
According to the Minister, the protesters have turned violent and failed to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, hence the ban on all protests.
Meanwhile, a statement released by FCT Security Committee said “The Committee noted with satisfaction the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Inspector-General of Police to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad {SARS} as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian police.
“It also noted that in response to the directive of the President and the yearnings of the Nigerian people, the Inspector General of Police has dissolved the SARS across the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where they hitherto existed.
“However, the Committee noted with concern that despite the pronouncement by the Inspector General of Police scrapping the FSARS, the #ENDSARS protests continued in parts of the Territory. The protesters caused inconveniences to law-abiding citizens.
“While the Committee recognizes the rights of citizens as regards freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the constitution, 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.
“These violations endanger the lives of not just the demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns.
“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.”
Yesterday, a peaceful protest turned sore as armed thugs attacked demonstrators in Berger area of Abuja destroying cars of the protesters and injuring many of them.
