The continuation of the protest against hunger and hardship stipulated to hold nationwide on October 1, could not thrive in Rivers State, as police and thugs dispersed protesters who mounted the streets of Port Harcourt to express their grieves on what they described as bad governance in the country.
The protesters who are youths started gathering near the Federal Secretariat and the Pleasure Park on Aba Road, the venues used during the August ten days protest.
THISDAY observed that the protest could not continue as the protesters met fierce opposition from policemen who arrived at the scene early.
The police, who were allegedly accompanied by youths suspected to be political thugs, chased the protesters away from their meeting point and took control of the area.
But the protesters regrouped at Rumuola, only to be dispersed again by the same officers. The development follows the Rivers State Police Commissioner’s warning to protesters against blocking major roads, harassing, and extorting passengers.
It would be recalled that the CP, Olatunji Disu, ahead of the 64th Independence Day celebration had promised adequate security and deployed personnel to man strategic places in the state capital.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Commissioner of Police, stated that police were aware of the protest scheduled for October 1, urging all residents to shun any process that would cause breakdown of law and order.
Dish said “In light of the upcoming October 1 nationwide protest associated with the hashtag #FearlessInOctober, scheduled to commence on 1 October 2024, the Rivers State Police Command wishes to express its awareness of the situation.
“We urge all residents to refrain from participating in any activities that may disrupt lawful proceedings and infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens in Rivers State.
“It is vital that the peace we currently enjoy is not further compromised, as recent events have demonstrated that protests can be exploited by individuals or criminal elements intent on causing disruption, often leading to regrettable incidents within our community.
“To uphold law and order and ensure the safety of all residents, the Commissioner of Police has deployed officers to strategic locations throughout the state. These measures are not intended to instill fear but to safeguard lives and property, maintain law and order, and ensure the free movement of vehicles”, Disu added.
It was gathered that some of the protesters who refused to retreat back from the exercise were arrested by the policeman on ground. But efforts to reach the police spokesperson to confirm the arrest proved abortive.
Blessing Ibunge
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