The Federal Capital Territory Security Committee has banned #EndSARS protests in Abuja, the nation’s capital, for alleged COVID -19 protocol violations.
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.
“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.
“Clearly , all these guidelines were flouted by the protesters. Consequently , the committee directs that due to the dangers posed by COVID – 19 , all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT . ”
The committee noted with satisfaction the directive by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd .) to the IGP