Hiding behind Covid-19 safety protocols, FCT Security Committee bans #EndSARS protests, others; Keyamo loses driver

Worried over growing protests in Abuja, and exposure of protesters to Covid-19, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Security Committee has banned all forms of demonstrations in the territory, though worries are been expressed how a group that appears to be pro-SARS has been disrupting protests by employing violence.

The new directive from the committee comes as the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Mr. Festus Keyamo, announced the passing of his driver, Mr. Yohanna Shankuk, during the #EndSARS protests in Abuja.

Keyamo said on Thursday, in a statement, that his driver died as a result of the confrontation between the #EndSARS protest and some hoodlums who attacked the procession at Berger Junction in Abuja.

“I regret to announce that my driver, Mr. Yohanna Shankuk, died yesterday in Abuja as a result of the protests.

“A vehicle that saw advancing protesters at Berger roundabout, made a U-turn, took the one-way back and ran over him as he was making his way on foot to my private office”, Keyamo announced.

The FCT Security Committee met on Tuesday to review the security situation in the FCT with a view to addressing identified challenges.

Chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, the meeting 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 and Area Council Chairmen.

The Committee recognised the constitutional rights of citizens in the FCT to associate and move freely, but frowned at what it described as “the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of demonstrations (that) are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols which were put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens”.

It adds: “These violations endanger the lives of not just the demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature checks, the use of facial coverings, amongst others.

“Clearly all these guidelines were flouted by the protesters.

“Consequently, the Committee directs that due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT”.

Other resolutions of the security committee are:

▪︎ The Committee noted with satisfaction the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Inspector-General of Police to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad {SARS} as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian police.

▪︎  It also noted that in response to the directive of the President and the yearnings of the Nigerian people, the Inspector General of Police has dissolved the SARS across the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where they hitherto existed.

▪︎ However, the Committee noted with concern that despite the pronouncement by the Inspector General of Police scrapping the FSARS, the #ENDSARS protests continued in parts of the Territory. The protesters caused inconveniences to law abiding citizens.

▪︎ The Committee also noted the progress being made in the fight against robberies in illegal and unregistered, commercial motor vehicles known as “one chance” and is committed to the introduction of innovative measures that will ensure the safety of commuters.

▪︎ It however advises commuters to continue to exercise  caution and remain vigilant while boarding commercial vehicles.

▪︎ With the advent of the “Ember” months, the Committee reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of road users across the FCT in accordance with existing guidelines by relevant agencies.

 ▪︎  It however seeks the cooperation of residents to obey all extant traffic rules and regulations while travelling during this period.

▪︎ The Committee also noted with satisfaction the successful re-opening of schools after the forced closure due to COVID-19. It however calls on parents, students and school authorities to continue to comply with the extant COVID-19 safety protocols.

▪︎ The Security Committee reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensure that all residents are safe, secure and able to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation or harassment.