On the first day of the proposed nationwide protest, the bubbling Lagos metropolis is a shadow of itself as residents are observing what could pass for sit-at-home.
Reports across the city show that shops, markets, banks and business premises are shut as residents stay in their homes.
The Pathway observed that the roads are deserted, with armed security personnel in their large numbers at major bus terminals across the city.
In areas like Ikeja, Yaba, Egbeda, Igondo, Ikutun, Oshodi, Mile 2, Ojuelegba, Isale Eko etc, detachments of armed policemen and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps operatives are standing and monitoring situation, amid the presence of road transport workers and “area boys.” There is also patrol of security operatives across the state.
At the time of filing this report, there has not been any case of road blockage, violence or clash with security operatives.
Lagos roads are also deserted as commercial buses and tricycles are not operating.
It was observed that only few private vehicles are on the road, driving freely to their destinations.
A Lagos High Court had restricted protests to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu.
In its ruling, on an exparte application filed by the Lagos State’s Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), Justice Emmanuel Ogundare granted an interim injunction stopping convergence and carrying out protests in Lagos as scheduled from Aug 1-10, 2024, except in the two approved locations from 8 am to 6 pm.
