A few hours ago, on February 27, 2024, an image circulated on social media suggesting that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State led an ongoing protest in the state. Initially shared by the Daily Trust, a prominent newspaper, the image was accompanied by the caption “Lagos State Commissioner leading the protest along Awolowo Way, Ikeja.”
Subsequently, the image was re-shared by the popular gossip blog “Instablog.” As of the time of this report, it has garnered over a million views, along with over 16,000 likes and retweets. There were various reactions from social media users to the seeming identification of the police force with the plight of the masses.
Background:
The discontent regarding the substantial surge in prices of essential commodities, attributed to the depreciation of the naira against major foreign currencies has sparked widespread calls for protests throughout the nation.
Organised labour, comprising the the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress planned a protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, 2024. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) expressed its dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to implement the agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023. These agreements were reached in the aftermath of the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The decision to embark on a nationwide protest was made following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government, urging it to implement measures aimed at alleviating the widespread hardship experienced across the country.
While the right to protest is considered a fundamental human right, as outlined in sections 38, 39, 40, and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there is a prevailing public perception that the Nigerian police force tends to exhibit undue aggression towards peaceful protesters.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian Police Act stipulates that it is the duty of the police to ensure the security of lawful and peaceful protesters. As such, it is mandated that prior to the organisation of any protest, approval must be obtained from the police command of the area where the protest is intended to take place. This legal framework aims to strike a balance between the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly and the maintenance of public order.
On February 26, 2024, The Punch newspaper reported that the police had placed its officers on red alert in anticipation of nationwide protests. Additionally, it was noted that the police had deployed its anti-riot squad in preparation for the demonstrations.
Claim: The police commissioner led the protest in Lagos State?
Verification
To verify this claim, The CDD War Room reached out to a journalist who covered the protest in Lagos, and according to his account, the police commissioner was indeed present at the protest. However, the journalist clarified that the commissioner did not lead the protest; instead, it was led by one of the Labour leaders. The journalist clarified that the commissioner’s presence at the protest was in his capacity as a law enforcement officer. The officer was present as part of measures to prevent the breakdown of law and order. CDD War learnt that the commissioner stayed briefly before departing.
Furthermore, the CDD War Room contacted the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Lagos State Police Command, who emphatically stated that the Commissioner of Police did not lead any protest. The PRO confirmed that the commissioner’s presence at the protest was solely to oversee the security arrangements.
Verdict:
Misleading.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police did not lead the protest. Instead, his presence at the protest site was part of measures to prevent breakdown of law and order.
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