THE Federal Capital Territory Security Committee has banned #EndSARS protests in Abuja for alleged violation of COVID-19 protocols.
The FCT Administration said while it recognised the rights of citizens as regards freedom of association and movement, 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 decision of the Administration was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday titled, “COVID-19: FCT Security Committee prohibits street demonstrations”, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye.
The statement said the decision was made at a meeting held on Tuesday to review the security situation in the FCT and address identified challenges.
It 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, including Area Council chairmen.
The statement said, “While the committee recognises 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.”
