The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has patrolled Lagos State on a show of force to assure citizens of their safety.
This is amid talks of a rally by supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, planned to hold at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
In a terse statement, the RRS said, “In continuation of its routine convoy patrol of the metropolis as directed by the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, Commander RRS, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi is presently leading RRS team and Lagos Taskforce on convoy patrol of the city.
“Law abiding citizens are encouraged to go about their lawful businesses.”
Also, Obi’s supporters have been warned by the Lagos State Police Command not to hold any rally at the Lekki toll gate.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Friday, warned that the command won’t allow the right to free movement of others to be infringed.
He also reminded those plotting the rally of a court order which bars them from gathering at the toll gate.
The statement read, “It has become imperative to reemphasize that no form of rally whatsoever will be allowed at the Lekki Toll gate tomorrow, October 1, 2022.
“This emphasis has become necessary to enlighten Nigerians that might be misled into converging on the toll gate. A court of competent jurisdiction has ruled that no person is allowed to converge on the Lekki Toll gate for whatever reason.
“In conformity with its mandate to protect life and property, the Lagos State Police Command under the leadership of CP Abiodun Alabi, fdc will leave no stone unturned in ensuring total compliance with the court order and an emplacement of adequate security in the state.
“While the Command is not averse to the peoples’ right to freedom of assembly and association; and expression, the Command will equally live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to freedom of movement and right to dignity of human persons, especially under the guise of rally or procession.
“The warning, therefore, goes that anyone found flouting the court order or infringing on the rights of other Nigerians will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Meanwhile, CP Alabi enjoins all peace loving persons to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation, reiterating that adequate security assets have been strategically deployed to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians at designated rally venues and across the state at large.”