Lagos State Government has declared zero tolerance for any kind of destruction to public or private properties by any Individual or Corporate bodies in the state under the guise of any protest, amid the current Covid-19 Pandemic.

This warning is coming on the heels of proposed protests by a group under the name ‘Occupy Lagos Lekki Toll gate’ and Save Lagos’ on Saturday, at the Lekki Toll Gate’.

Speaking at a joint News Briefing at Ikeja, Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Moyo Onigbanjo noted that Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution guaranteed the Right to Freedom of expression and peaceful Assembly, but must not in any way violate the rights of other citizens from going about their legitimate businesses.

Onigbanjo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria reminds Lagosians that the Covid-19 Regulations, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari which limits the number of gatherings, encourages Social distancing, amid other Safety protocols is still in force.

He warned against the blockage of roads as a form of protest in the state.

Onigbanjo said while the state recognises the rights to peaceful protests, the same cannot extend to blockage of roads including preventing other members of the public from enjoying their fundamental rights to move freely within the state.

The statement read, “Our attention is drawn to the planned protest scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021, at the Lekki Toll Gate for and against the opening of the Admiralty Toll Gate.

“The State is aware of Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantees the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly. However, such right does not permit the violation of the Rights of other citizens in the State.

“While the State recognises the importance of exercising the Rights to Peaceful protests, same cannot extend to blockage of roads and or preventing other members of the public from enjoying their Fundamental Rights to move freely within the State.

“Any person or group with such desire to protest must also bear in mind the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Regulations 2021 which prevents any gathering beyond 50 and other safety measures including but not limited to maintaining Social Distancing and the use of face mask.

“The Attorney General hereby enjoins everyone to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 Regulations and any other extant laws in the state.

The right to protest peacefully does not exempt anyone from violating laws. Any violator will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“While the state recognises the importance of exercising the Rights to Peaceful protests, same cannot extend to blockage of roads and or preventing other members of the public from enjoying their Fundamental Rights to move freely within the state.

“Furthermore, any individual or corporate body who incites or condones any act leading to the destruction of public and private properties shall be prosecuted under the extant laws and in addition to any penalty the court might pronounce such person or body will be liable to compensate for any damage which is as a result of the action or inaction of such person or body.

“The Nigeria Police is equally urged, that in responding to any protest, it should respect the rights of the citizen as guaranteed under the 1999Constitution (as amended) and carry out their duties in accordance with the law.”

The Lagos State Police Command has said no protest is permitted to hold on Saturday.

This is according to the state Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu wants all law abiding citizens to go about their duties without fear or favour, while the erring ones should be prepared to face the wrath of the law.

On his part, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso appealed to both sides to desist from any protest not to jeopardise the efforts of the Tribunal set up to investigate the issues surrounding the ENDSARS protests.

He said government was intensifying efforts to rebuild Lagos.