1st October, 2024
By Okafor Ofiebor, Port Harcourt
Anti-government protesters marking Nigeria’s October 1 Independence Day were forcefully dispersed on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by both police officers and suspected pro-government thugs.
The protesters, who had gathered at Pleasure Park along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway as early as 6:30 a.m., were confronted by suspected political thugs armed with canes and sticks.
The thugs threatened severe consequences if anyone attempted to protest, while police officers also moved in to break up the gathering.
At the Federal Secretariat, another location traditionally used for peaceful protests, armed police officers sealed off the area, preventing protesters from assembling. Journalists were also barred from filming or interviewing protest leaders.
The situation was similarly tense at Waterlines Junction along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, where authorities prevented any gatherings.
Despite the protests and heavy police presence, business activities in Port Harcourt continued unaffected, with residents going about their daily routines without disruption.
In anticipation of potential unrest on October 1, Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu had deployed a significant number of officers to key locations across the city.
A press statement issued by Rivers State Police Command spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko urged residents to refrain from joining the protests linked to the #FearlessInOctober movement.
The command warned that any actions disrupting lawful activities or infringing on the rights of others would not be tolerated.
Iringe-Koko emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, noting that protests could be exploited by criminal elements intent on causing chaos, which could lead to unfortunate incidents.
She further explained that the police deployment was not meant to instill fear, but to ensure public safety, protect property, and maintain the free flow of traffic.
The police also called on parents and guardians to advise their children and wards against participating in any protests, warning that law enforcement would take necessary actions to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
It remains unclear whether the heavy security presence at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters was in preparation for the upcoming October 5 local government elections or related to the protests.
