June 12: Police Occupy Protest Venue In Lagos As Pro-Tinubu Rally Begins
There is a heavy security presence at the Ikeja Under-Bridge in Lagos, the designated convergence point for the June 12 Democracy Day protest.
Security agencies on the ground include personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps.
As of 7:35 a.m., hundreds of people had already assembled at the location.
However, our correspondent observed that more than 90 percent of those gathered were government supporters.
They wore a T-shirt with the inscription “Team Nigeria for Change”.
One of the supporters, Ogunlewe Alaba, told THE WHISTLER that he was at the venue to show his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The government has done exceptionally well in the areas of the economy and agriculture. I’m happy with the government—that’s why I’m here,” Alaba said.
According to him, the government has performed exceptionally well, particularly in the areas of the economy and agriculture.
He expressed satisfaction with the current leadership, which he said motivated his presence at the rally.
On the other side, protesters opposing the government were also present, carrying placards and banners with various inscriptions.
Many of the messages expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s economic situation and governance.
The placards decried hunger, poverty, and insecurity, calling for immediate action. Protesters demanded an end to economic hardship, the reversal of policies they described as anti-poor and influenced by the IMF and World Bank, an end to attacks on democratic rights, and a push for meaningful electoral reform.
The protest, which was initially scheduled to take place in Agbara, Maryland, and Badagry, was restricted by authorities to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.
In preparation for the demonstration, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Owohunwa Adegoke, held a meeting on Wednesday with leaders of 15 civil society organizations at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
According to a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the meeting was aimed at fostering coordination and ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest.
During the meeting, half of the groups stated their intention to participate in peaceful Democracy Day celebrations, while the other half confirmed plans to stage a peaceful protest to mark Nigeria’s return to civilian rule.
Both sides reached a consensus on the protest route, agreeing to gather at the Ikeja Under-Bridge and march together to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.
Police authorities emphasized that this park is the only approved protest venue for June 12, and that no other demonstrations will be allowed outside the designated area.
June 12: Police Occupy Protest Venue In Lagos As Pro-Tinubu Rally Begins is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
