The Kogi State Government has warned those planning to staged protest in the State on Saturday June 12 to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

The State Security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara gave the warning on Friday while briefing newsmen on the proposed nationwide protest by some aggrieved individuals in the Country.

Omodara noted that information within the government disposal revealed that no group of persons have indicated interest to protest in any part of the State.

According to him, there is no reason for anyone to come out and protest in the state, adding that residents should go about their daily activities with out fear or intimidation; stressing that whoever that protest in the State will have him or herself to blame.

Omodara maintained that Kogi State under the leadership of Gov. Yahaya Bello will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace the people are enjoying in the State; adding that the State Government would do all it can to maintain the prevailing peaceful atmosphere that exist.

His words” Available data before us has shown that Kogi is the safest State in Nigeria. As we feel the pulse of the nation, we narrow it to Kogi. The pulse of the nation right now is that there is so many online report of a nationwide protest on June 12th 2021.

“We have looked at it, and we have done our check through the Commissioner of Police, and there is no association, group or individuals that have applied for permission to protest, or carry out any walk. The police have not granted any permission.

“I have crosschecked with other security agencies, and we have seen that as a government, there is no reason for anyone to come out in Kogi or in any part of the State to protest on Saturday June 12.

“It is a known fact that the State has remain peaceful. When it was Covid-19 time, the government did not shut down the State. We continued with our legitimate business. When it was the time for EndSARS the Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello came out to support the youths but the State didn’t join the EndSARS protest. This is because the government is with the people. If we are enjoying unlimited security in the State compared to what we are seeing in other parts of the country, it is important we give peace a chance.

“I have also crosscheck with the student body and they met with the Commissioner of Police on Wednesday and they stated it categorically that they won’t be part of the protest. Any youth we see tomorrow Saturday coming out to protest should have himself to blame. The governor is not going to allow anyone to disrupt the peace we are enjoying in Kogi State.

He however urged parents to warn their Children and wards to give peace a chance, adding that the responsibility of the government is to continue to fight insecurity.

“It is not that the challenges we are having in other State we are not feeling it here, but the government is making serious effort to nip them before they emanate. Just three days ago, three suspect with army uniform came out in Ajaokuta Local Government, the security agency came out and confronted them, and they brought them down.

” The Government will keep on appreciating what the people of Kogi State are doing. Giving us relevant information, as well as supporting the security agencies will go a long way in combating insecurities. Let no one obstruct businesses, or obstruct movement of people. This is a warning. I have instructed the security agencies. If you see them patrolling, don’t be afraid. They are only going out to keep peace. People should continue their normal businesses” he added.

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Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has again called on Nigerian youths protesting against police brutality across the country to end the ongoing protests and enter a roundtable dialogue with government in addressing their various demands.

Bello made the call on Monday in his address to Nigerian youths which is the 5th in the series of his addresses to the youths since the commencement of their protests about 10 days ago.

He said the protesting youths have over the last 10 days demonstrated resilience and courage in making their demands known to the government, adding that was time leaders of the protesters come out to engage with the government.

According to him, it would be difficult for the governments at all levels to know who to interface with in resolving some of the issues if there are no leaders, adding that opportunists could hijack the gains of the protests.

“In like manner, the real leaders and spokespersons of these protests must also begin to ‘show face’ now to enable government at all levels know who to interface with.

“We cannot even appoint people into the various bodies being set up to address your demands without being afraid that opportunists who have no credibility with you are high-jacking it.

“May I therefore request that the protesters give us people to engage with, especially on the timeliest schedules for calling it a day which accommodates all reasonable demands”, he said.

The governor warned that notwithstanding the discontent and grievances being expressed by Nigerians, they must resist the temptation of using the current situation to seek an undemocratic change in leadership.

“It goes without saying that despite different levels of dissatisfaction with the status quo in our country among the citizenry, it is unwise to think that a change of leadership other than by clear-cut democratic means will be tolerated by citizens.

“Those interested in Mr. President’s seat must wait for 2023 and when it is finally up for grabs, they must present themselves to the Nigerian electorate, duly nominated as flagbearers for any party of their choice. It is as simple as that. Ditto for any other duly elected seat or office”, he said.

Bello said there have been calls on youths in Kogi State to engage in more protests, adding that while he’s not against peaceful protests in the state, he however advised youths against blocking major highways which could cause hardships to the citizens.

“As we go into a new week, I have seen several advertisements calling for more protests in Kogi State. As usual, I am all for peaceful protests, but I do caution that all gatherings must maintain empathy for others who may not wish to march with you at this time.

“In particular, given our unique position as the gateway to the North and South of the country, I must demand respect for the right of road users. People cannot be emerging from months of lockdown, be in the process of trying to rebuild their lives only to be thrown back into extended lockdowns again by barricades set up by protesters on public thoroughfares. 

“We are making these cautionary statements at this time as a responsible government which is keyed into, and even quite ahead of, the national response to your demands. 

“We will not relent in putting in early warning systems for detecting, and sustainable safeguards for checkmating, abuses against the human rights of citizens, especially the youths, by law enforcement agencies.

“At the same time, we are committed to making the work easier for our police by providing them with training in modern policing, professional therapy/counselling and supply of kits at no cost. Making Nigeria great is a task which belongs to all of us”, he said.