Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fayoade Adegoke, made an unexpected visit to the protest ground in Ojota on Monday, amidst heightened tensions between demonstrators and security forces.
His presence follows a controversial statement he made on Sunday, which incited outrage among the protesters by suggesting that the protests had concluded.
In an effort to defuse the situation, Adegoke asserted that he had been misquoted, attempting to clarify his prior remarks.
Despite this, his initial comment was perceived by many protesters as an attempt to delegitimize their movement, which has been vocal about demanding better governance and living conditions.
When approached by journalists for a comment on the matter, Adegoke declined, stating, “I don’t want to speak with the media so as not to be misquoted.”
This refusal has only deepened the distrust among protesters, who are calling for transparency and accountability from the authorities.
The atmosphere at the protest site remains charged, with demonstrators expressing skepticism about Adegoke’s motives and insisting on an explanation for his previous statement.
Despite his reassurances, the protesters remain unconvinced and committed to continuing their demonstrations.
The protests, which began on August 1, have persisted into their fifth day on Monday.
Organized as a 10-day nationwide movement, they seek significant economic and political reforms in Nigeria.
While the protests have been widespread, occurring in multiple states, some have escalated into violence, prompting state governments to impose curfews.
In Abuja, where the protests have largely remained peaceful, the police have resorted to using tear gas and live bullets to disperse the crowds.
The demonstrations continued unabated on Sunday, even after a televised address by President Bola Tinubu, in which he called for an end to the protests but failed to offer any substantial concessions.
The protesters’ demands include the reinstatement of petrol subsidies and a reduction in the salaries and allowances of public officials.
The unrest has led to the closure of numerous businesses, including banks and grocery stores, on Thursday and Friday.
However, as the protests appeared to wane slightly over the weekend, many businesses resumed operations on Sunday.
As the situation continues to evolve, the impact of Commissioner Adegoke’s presence at the protest ground remains uncertain.
Protesters are unwavering in their resolve to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met, despite the complexities and challenges posed by the ongoing tensions.
