The Federal Government has warned that anyone who participates in the planned Occupy Lekki protest would be arrested.
According to the Information minister, Lai Mohammed, intelligence report has revealed that the protest would be hijacked and used to destabilize the country.
At a news conference, Mohammed, said the Lekki toll gate is not a designated place for protests and warned that anybody who disregards the “no protest” warning would have to contend with the country’s security agencies.
“At this time, the chances that any peaceful protest will be hijacked are very high. Based on the intelligence at the disposal of the Federal Government, some Nigerian activists have linked up with others outside Nigeria, including subversive elements, with a view to destabilizing the country.
“We cannot and must not allow this to happen. Never again will the Federal Government allow the kind of violence that was perpetrated across the country under the guise of the EndSARS last October. Never again will anyone or group be allowed to destroy cities or to kill and maim innocent citizens, including security agents, under any guise.”
Asked what would happen if protesters ignored government’s warning and gather at the toll gate tomorrow.
Mohammed said: “Security will do the needful. It would be irresponsible for anyone to think the toll gate would not be used. This is a facility that the state government still owes and still needs money to repair.
“It is meaningless for anyone to bar the state government from the toll gate. There’s no concrete proof at the panel that anybody was killed at the toll gate (on October 20, 2020).
“The security agents are ready for any eventuality. A situation in which six soldiers and 37 policemen were murdered in cold blood by hoodlums will not repeat itself. The attack, looting and razing of 269 private and public property will not happen again.”
Meanwhile, The Attorney General of Lagos, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and Commissioner of Police, Hakeeem Odumosu have advised those organizing the “Occupy Lekki Toll Gate” and “Defend Lagos” protests to desist from the action.
Odumosu said intelligence gathered by the police indicated the “Occupy Lekki Toll Gate” protest and planned counter rallies would degenerate into a breakdown of law and order, stressing that the police would not allow any group to carry out the action. He said the police would resist the protest with necessary force.
“Premised on the available intelligence and due threat analyses carried out on the planned protest, the Police perceive such proposed protest as a calculated attempt to cause pandemonium and massive destruction of lives and properties under whatever guide; such will not be allowed to hold in Lagos.”
