Land Use Charge: Police Invite NBA to Dialogue over Planned Protest

Matilda Omonaiye/

Police have invited the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja branch, to a meeting over its proposed street protest against the newly-introduced land use charge in Lagos State.

Police said they were interested in ensuring that the protest does not compromise peace and security in the state.

Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Chike Oti, said in a statement today the command would like to review the details of the protest with the NBA leadership to avoid possible clash of interest and breakdown of law and order.

The command also appealed to members of the Save Lagos Group and others planning to carry out similar protests in the state to ensure they involve the police in their plans.

The statement reads: “The Lagos State Police Command hereby call on the Chairman and the executive officers of the Nigeria Bar Association Ikeja branch, led by Barrister Adeshina Ogunlana, to meet with the police high command in the Commissioner’s office in Ikeja tomorrow 12th March, 2018 to discuss in details the mode of their planned protest.

“The need for dialogue between the Police and the NBA is not unconnected with the current security situation in the country and the fragility of the peace in Lagos State, which can easily be compromised by unguarded actions.

“The dialogue would enable the command do a proper diagnosis of the impending protest and come up with an action plan that would address security concerns.

“The same advice goes for the Save Lagos Group who plan to occupy the Government House, Alausa. They must see the police on this before further action, please.”