The FCT Minister, Mohammed Musa Bello, has placed a ban on public protests in the territory without specifically mentioning the EndSARS protests.
He instead cited COVID-19 protocols put in place to contain the spread of the Coronavirus disease.
In a statement on Thursday, Anthony Ogunleye, the Chief Press Secretary to the minister said the the protesters were putting the lives of other citizens in danger.
Ogunleye said, “The FCT Security Committee met for its routine meeting on Tuesday October 13, 2020, to review the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory with a view to addressing identified challenges.”
He said, ”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.”
He said, “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.”
