The combined security agencies in Ondo have advised protesters against the excruciating hardship in the country to ensure their demonstration in the state remains peaceful.

In a joint press conference held on Wednesday in Akure, the heads of the security agencies stated that they are prepared to protect protesters who are advocating for economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Speaking on behalf of the security agencies, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abayomi Oladipo, cautioned protesters to avoid violence while expressing their grievances on the streets.

Mr Oladipo, who was flanked by heads of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, and the State Security Service (SSS), among others, warned against a repeat of the #EndSARS and Kenyan protests in the state, urging that peace be maintained throughout the demonstrations.

He noted that citizens have the right to protest as enshrined in the constitution, stating that the police, along with other security agencies, have the mandate to protect and secure the lives and properties of the people.

“We are all aware of the current situation in the country regarding protests by citizens titled ‘EndBadGovernance,’ scheduled to take place from August 1st to 10th. We are on the frontline, and I want to emphasize that protest is a fundamental right in any democracy, and no responsible government will seek to take away that right under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

“The citizens have the right to freely assemble and express their concerns about how they are governed. However, other Nigerians who do not wish to participate in the protest also have the right to freedom of movement. We all have rights, and those rights must be protected on both sides.

“We have the mandate to protect all citizens and residents of this country by ensuring that those who embark on lawful, peaceful protests are protected from being infiltrated by hoodlums who may attempt to hijack or exploit the protest to create confusion and mayhem in the state,” Mr Oladipo added.

He continued, “I want to make it clear that there is a fine line between peaceful and violent protests. We have the mandate to protect and maintain public order. This is not just a police matter; there is synergy between all security agencies to ensure that the #EndSARS and Kenyan experiences are not repeated in this country.”

He also advised traditional rulers and labour union leaders to engage with the people to ensure the protest remains peaceful, noting that the security agencies would not allow the demonstration to escalate into confusion or lead to the destruction of property and public infrastructure.

The assurance from the security agencies comes just twenty-four hours before the nationwide protests tagged #EndBadGovernance, aimed at pushing for economic reforms under Mr Tinubu’s government.