6th January, 2024
By Ikuru Lizzy
The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers, Erastus Awortu, has alerted security operatives of plans for massive politically sponsored protests that may breach the peace of the State scheduled for today, Saturday.
“The authority of Andoni Local Government Area has uncovered a plot by some persons to stage a politically-sponsored protest in the area on Saturday, Jan. 6 and another plan by some groups to stage a counter-protest,” Awortu said in a statement he issued to journalists on Friday.
He added that he has alerted security agencies about the politically-sponsored protest while warning parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards are not used to breach the peace in Rivers.
“While we recognise the right of the people to peaceful assembly vis-à-vis civil liberty as enshrined in the law, we will not condone any act that could lead to a breach of the peace in Andoni.
“It is our view that if the planned protest is allowed, it could lead to a violent clash by the two groups or it could be hijacked by those with ill intention to unleash mayhem in the area., the chairman said in the statement.
The chairman also enjoined traditional rulers and Chiefs of the various communities of Andoni to ensure collaboration with the security agencies to ensure continued peace in the area.
(NAN)