The Lagos state police command says protesters planning to
block third mainland bridge and other “critical public infrastructure”
in Lagos over the new land use charge (LUC) introduced by the state
government, will meet “stiff resistance”.
The public relations officer of the command, Chike Oti, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
According
to him, since those behind the planned protest were yet to apply for
necessary permit, they should air their grievances with the government,
within the purview of the law.
He said: “The attention of Lagos
state police command has been drawn to the news making the rounds that a
group of persons under the sponsorship of some mischief makers, and who
are masquerading as civil rights activists, intend to block the third
mainland bridge and occupy some critical public infrastructures in Lagos
to protest the increase in the land use charge by the government of
Lagos state.
“The command wishes to warn those concerned that any
attempt by any individual or group of persons to cause a breach of the
peace or infringe on the rights of others to pursue their daily
aspirations, would be met with stiff resistance.”
He made reference to a recent “peaceful protest” by the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), on the new law.
He
said it was important for any group planning protests to make the
necessary applications as the command was not against peaceful protests
in the state.
He continued: “As it stands, the commissioner of
police, Lagos state has not received a single application from any group
wishing to carry out protest in any part of the state.
“It is
therefore advised that these individuals wanting to protest government
decision should consult with the police as it was the case with the
Nigeria Bar Association before they carried out their very peaceful
protest for which the police provided the needed security and ensured it
was not hijacked by hoodlums.
“Once again, the command wishes to
reiterate that it would not allow any group of protesters to compromise
the peace in Lagos state in whatever guise.
“Any group of persons
that feel strongly against any policies of the government should explore
the judiciary option instead of endangering the public peace.”
There
has been controversy over the law, forcing the state government to
reduce the new rates by 50 percent but this did not go do well with
many.
The Ikeja branch of NBA is demanding an outright cancellation of the new law.