No protests in Kogi
Olu Samuel
As prostesters gathered in various cities in Abuja, Lagos and other major cities across the country,the situation is different in Kogi state as no sign of protest has been recorded in any part of the state.
Our Correspondent who went round Lokoja the Kogi state capital on Monday reports that now protest gathering was sighted any of the area visited in the town.
At the Obasanjo square at the city center,no gathering was seen and as at 12 pm when our Correspondent left the square, no group was seen gathered there just as it was the case at Ganaja village, Sango,up to Zariagi,Kabba junction.
Reports from Okene,Ogori/Magongo, in Kogi Central Senatorial district also indicated that there was no protest in any part of the town.
Also from Igalaland in Kogi East Senatorial district,there is no protest if any kind reported anywhere.
Punch reports that the Kogi state police command had warned against what it termed “ill-timed” protest as it is capable of being hijacked by hoodlums.
A statement issued on Sunday by the state police command stated that “While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspector-Generals of Police and Diplomats.
In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.
The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.