The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Security Committee yesterday prohibited any form of street demonstrations in the territory.
BusinessDay recalled that pandemonium broke out on Wednesday at the Berger roundabout, Abuja when the pro and anti-SARS protesters clashed in Abuja, leading to the vandalisation of five vehicles and the arrest of many protesters by the police.
In a press statement, the chief press secretary to the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, said the committee came up with the decision after its routine meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, to review the security situation in the FCT with a view to addressing identified challenges.
Ogunleye hinted that the meeting, which was chaired by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, had extensive deliberations with heads of the various security agencies and military formations in the FCT, senior members of staff of the FCTA, representatives of religious and traditional institutions as well as area council chairmen.
He noted that the committee was satisfied with the president’s directive to the police boss to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian police.
According to the statement, “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.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature checks, the use of facial coverings, amongst others.
The statement said that the committee frown on the manner these guidelines were flouted by protesters, adding that due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests, and processions would not be allowed anywhere within the FCT.
It said the committee, therefore, advised commuters to continue to exercise caution and remain vigilant while boarding commercial vehicles and stressed its commitment to the safety of road users in the territory.
“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 traveling during this period.
“The committee also noted with satisfaction the successful re-opening of schools after the forced closure due to COVID-19. It however calls on parents, students, and school authorities to continue to comply with the extant COVID-19 safety protocols.
“The security committee reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensure that all residents are safe, secure, and able to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment,” the statement read.
