#EndSARS: FCTA Bans Protests In Abuja

 

An order by the Federal Capital Territory Security Committee has banned protests in Abuja.

 

This comes as #EndSARS protesters continue to march in Abuja and other parts of the country.

 

The committee alleged violation of COVID-19 protocol for issuing the ban.

 

The FCT Administration said it was concerned that despite the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, last Sunday, the demonstrations had continued, causing inconveniences to law-abiding citizens.

 

The resolutions of the meeting were contained in a statement on Wednesday titled,’COVID-19: FCT Security Committee prohibits street demonstrations,’ signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT minister, Mr Anthony Ogunleye.

 

The meeting which held on Tuesday to review the security situation in the FCT and address identified challenges, was chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, 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.

 

The statement read, “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.

 

The committee noted with satisfaction the directive by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to the IGP to disband the SARS as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police.