The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Security Committee has placed a ban on all #EndSARS protests in Abuja, FCT. This was disclosed in a statement by Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, the Chief Press Secretary to the minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello.
The statement released on Wednesday titled “COVID-19: FCT Security Committee prohibits street demonstration”.
Ogunleye said the activity of the protesters was detrimental to the lives of ordinary citizens going about their legitimate businesses.
The statement read in part, “The FCT Security Committee met for its routine meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, to review the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory with a view to addressing identified challenges.”
“While the committee recognizes citizen’s rights 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.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature check, the use of facial coverings, among others.”
The meeting held on Tuesday was chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello. Others in attendance include the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, senior staff of the FCTA, heads of various security agencies, and military formations in the FCT, traditional and religious representatives as well Area Council Chairmen.