6th August, 2024
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Police issue strong warning on Tuesday as the #Endbadgovernance protest which has gone on peacefully in Rivers since it began nationwide takes violent turn in many parts of Port Harcourt, the state capital.
For instance, soldiers were swiftly deployed to take over the Obiri-Ikwerre flyovers axis of the East-West road in Port Harcourt as hoodlums pretending to be protesters in the early hours of Tuesday blocked the Obiri-Ikwerre flyovers axis of the ever busy East-West road burning tyres and extorting money from motorists and commuters.
The ‘protesters’ were also coercing people to join them in the protest while smashing windshields of vehicles that did not carry green leaves.
However, they were dispersed by soldiers who restored free flow of traffic on the expressway.
Also, some protesters were also captured in viral videos blocking the Iwofe road leading to the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt. They were also seen vandalizing windscreens of cars whose owners refused to join the protest.
In the same vein, some of protesters were captured on viral videos destroying the billboard of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the Rivers State Secretariat of the party along Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway.
There was heavy security deployment at Hyper City Shopping mall in Port Harcourt allegedly owned by Nyesom Wike, a former governor of the state and the incumbent Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Protesters walk past the shopping mall, chanting “Hyper City na our money”.
Reacting to the development, Rivers State Police Command expressed regret that despite assurances of peaceful conduct, protesters in the State have resorted to unlawful acts, such as burning tires, extorting motorists, blocking roads, damaging vehicles, harassing business owners, and stealing from innocent residents.
The Command also noted that a group has threatened that the pattern of the protest will change on August 7th, 2024 while calling on traders and motorists to stay at home or join the protest.
The police command in a statement by its Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko said from its close monitoring of events on August 5th, 2024, it has observed that the protest in Rivers State has taken a concerning turn.
The statement noted that the protesters were earlier advised to conduct their demonstration peacefully within designated locations, while the police would provide adequate protection and isolate any criminal elements.
“However, the command has noticed a lack of identifiable leadership or coordination among the various groups, leading to a breakdown of order.
“The Rivers State Police Command affirms the constitutional right of citizens to protest and express their views. However, the command has observed clear indications that the organizers are losing control of the protesters, who are resorting to more violent and criminal conduct.
The Command warned that the police will act decisively to arrest and prosecute any individuals who attempt to infringe on the rights of others or engage in criminal activities under the guise of the protest.
“The police will take necessary and decisive action immediately the protest stops being peaceful.
The Command therefore advised that protesters should remain in the designated protest areas, Pleasure Park and Abali Park and should refrain from disrupting the free movement of citizens or engaging in any unlawful activities.
The command assured that is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all residents during this period.
