June 12: Any Protester Arrested Will Blame Him/Herself — Kogi Government
The Kogi State Government has issued a warning that no protests will be tolerated on Saturday, June 12.
Protesters must be prepared to face the full force of the law, according to the statement.
Commodore Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, said no group of people had expressed interest in protesting, but he urged potential protestors to keep away from Kogi on Friday when briefing journalists on the planned nationwide demonstration on June 12, Democracy Day.
He said, “Available data before us has shown that Kogi is the safest state in Nigeria. As we feel the pulse of the nation, we narrow it to Kogi. The pulse of the nation right now is that there are so many online reports of a nationwide protest on June 12th 2021.
“We have looked at it, and we have done our check through the Commissioner of Police, and there is no association, group or individuals that have applied for permission to protest, or carry out any walk. The police have not granted any permission.
“I have cross-checked with other security agencies, and we have seen that as a government, there is no reason for anyone to come out in Kogi or in any part of the State to protest on Saturday June 12.
“It is a known fact that the state has remained peaceful. When it was COVID-19 time, the government did not shut down the state. We continued with our legitimate business.
“When it was the time for EndSARS, Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello came out to support the youths but the state didn’t join the EndSARS protest. This is because the government is with the people. If we are enjoying unlimited security in the state compared to what we are seeing in other parts of the country, it is important we give peace a chance.
“I have also cross-checked with the student body and they met with the Commissioner of Police on Wednesday and they stated categorically that they won’t be part of the protest. Any youth we see tomorrow Saturday coming out to protest should have himself to blame. The governor is not going to allow anyone to disrupt the peace we are enjoying in Kogi State.”
“It is not that the challenges we are having in other states, we are not feeling them here, but the government is making a serious effort to nip them before they emanate. Just three days ago, three suspects with army uniform came out in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, the security agency came out and confronted them, and they brought them down.
”The Government will keep on appreciating what the people of Kogi State are doing. Giving us relevant information, as well as supporting the security agencies will go a long way in combating insecurities. Let no one obstruct businesses, or obstruct movement of people. This is a warning. I have instructed the security agencies. If you see them patrolling, don’t be afraid. They are only going out to keep peace. People should continue their normal businesses.”
Governor Yahaya Bello’s regime is infamous for human rights violations.
Larry Emmanuel and Victor Udoka, two Buhari-must-go demonstrators, have been arrested by the Kogi State Government since April 5, despite national and international calls for their release.
For putting anti-President Muhammadu Buhari posters in the state, they were humiliated, arrested, and detained.
