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FCTA bans EndSARS protests over COVID-19 fears
By Emmanuel Awosika
The Security Committee of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has banned all street protests for fear of another COVID-19 outbreak.
For some days now, the FCT has witnessed a slew of street protests against the activities of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other forms of police brutality.
However, the FCTA has said it had to prohibit further demonstrations as protesters were flouting regulations put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.
This was made known in a statement released by Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to Minister for the FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello.
The statement, titled ‘COVID-19: FCT Security Committee prohibits street demonstrations’, contained the resolutions of a Tuesday meeting between FCTA officials and other stakeholders, including security officials, to tackle security challenges in Abuja.
The FCTA said it was concerned that the EndSARS protests have continued, despite the disbandment of the SARS by President Muhammadu Buhari, making life inconvenient for law-abiding residents.
The statement reads: While the committee recognizes the rights of citizens 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.
“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.”
