Kwara State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Esosa Amadasun, yesterday banned protests and demonstrations in the state.
The development may not be unconnected with the attack on the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and other dignitaries at the Praying Ground in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, during Thursday’s Eid-Kabir prayers.
Scores of aggrieved people had pelted sachet water, stones, shoes and other objects at the place where Saraki and other dignitaries were observing the prayers.
Other dignitaries that were at the prayer ground included a former acting National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Kawu Baraje; the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad; a former Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, who is currently a member representing Ilorin West and Asa Federal Constituency, Mr. Razak Atunwa; a former Chairman,Federal Character Commission, Prof. Oba Abdulraheem; a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore; the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari; and the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Bashir Muhammed.
A source stated the dignitaries, who were embarrassed and visibly shaken by the action of the miscreants, were shielded away to safety from the venue by security operatives.
He added that the pandemonium prevented the Chief Imam from delivering his annual sermon.
In a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, he stated the police would not condone any unlawful gathering, adding that the command would deal with any violator.