In preparation for the upcoming Democracy Day commemorations on June 12, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, convened a meeting with 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to strategize on maintaining peace and order during the day’s activities.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, aimed to foster mutual understanding between law enforcement and civic groups regarding their planned engagements across the state. Details of the deliberation were shared by the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in an official statement.
According to Hundeyin, the CSOs in attendance expressed a shared commitment to ensuring public safety and security throughout the national holiday.
While approximately half of the groups indicated they would mark the day with peaceful celebrations, the others announced their intention to hold organized, non-disruptive protests.
All protest activities, it was agreed, would be limited to a specific route—beginning at the Ikeja Under-Bridge and culminating at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota. The police emphasized that no demonstrations should occur outside the designated protest grounds.
“Both the law enforcement leadership and civil society representatives emphasized the importance of peaceful conduct, respect for the law, and ensuring that no group or individual disrupts the celebrations or endangers public order,” Hundeyin stated.
The CSOs also pledged to share the outcome of the meeting with other advocacy groups that were unable to attend and to encourage them to align with the agreed protocols.
The Commissioner of Police and his team stressed the importance of safeguarding lives and property during the national holiday. They reminded all stakeholders of the critical need to prevent criminal elements from hijacking peaceful gatherings or inciting violence under the guise of protest.
Participants were advised to ensure that their actions do not hinder free movement, disrupt traffic, or interfere with the legitimate activities of other citizens commemorating the day.
Reiterating the Lagos State Police Command’s readiness to secure the environment, Hundeyin urged the public to go about their daily routines and Democracy Day celebrations without fear.
He also appealed to residents to remain security-conscious and report any unusual or suspicious behavior promptly. For emergency assistance, citizens can reach the police control room through the following numbers: 08063299264 or 08065154338.