Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has promised to deal with any person or group of persons who protest in Cross River state on June 12.
Nigerians are warming up to march the street to show their displeasure on the state of governance in the country.
In a statement, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Christian Ita, warned that violators of the ban on procession will be made to face the full weight of the law.
The statement reads: “The Cross River state government wishes to remind the general public that the ban on public procession and gathering in the state is still very much in force.
“Due to the prevailing security situation in the country, government will not permit any procession or gathering under any guise on June 12 which is designated as Democracy Day
“Government urges any one or group of persons wishing to mark the June 12 Democracy Day to do so quietly within the confines of their homes.
“Parents are hereby advised to keep a firm grip on their kids and wards to prevent them from falling prey to agents of destabilisation as the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on violators of the ban on procession.
“As a responsible and people-oriented government, the Cross River state government under Professor Ayade wishes to assure all citizens that it will continue to protect lives and properties in the state.”
Meanwhile, the Delta state police commissioner, Ari Ali , has warned residents of the state against embarking on the protest.
In a statement by acting spokesman DSP Bright Edafe, he said: “The Delta State Police Command is aware of the planned protest by some agitated members of the public on 12th of June 2021, and is also aware that this protest is being staged by criminally minded individuals, hiding under the guise of peaceful protest thereby causing havoc in the state.
“The command under the watch of CP Ari Muhammed Ali, will not allow any miscreant to distort the already existing peace in the state.
“Members of the public particularly residents of Delta state are to be aware that on no account should any group be seen gathering or carrying placards in the name of protest, as such will not be allowed in the state.
“Officers and men of the command have been placed on red alert and have been ordered to arrest and deal decisively with any criminally minded elements who wish to go against this order. The command is more than ever willing to go after any miscreant who might be found wanting.
“The Commissioner of police is urging members of the public to partner with the police to see that those who try to bring disunity in the state and our dear nation be arrested and brought to book.
“Also, it is pertinent to state that undercover police detectives have been deployed across the state for the purpose of arresting any person or persons staging any form of protest.