From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Protesters of #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria have declared that they would adopt a different approach on the sixth day of the demonstration in Rivers State.
The aggrieved Nigerian youths announced this on Monday protest, threatening to unleash mayhem on transporters and traders who open for business activities instead of joining the nationwide protest.
Though the protesters do not have a coordinated leadership in Rivers State, during their recent protest, they warned that all vehicles should be parked and shops locked, threatening defaulters would not be spared.
Meanwhile, the protesters on Tuesday, have blocked the Rumuokoro axis of East-West road in Port Harcourt with sticks and green leaves.
However, the state Police Command has vowed to arrest and prosecute persons to turn the recorded peaceful protest in the state to violence.
The avowal was made after the command had noted a different dimension the protest was tilting to following the decision of aggrieved protesting youths.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the action of the protesters was regrettable, warning that the command would not allow any group of persons to cause the breakdown of law and order in Rivers.
She stated: “The Rivers State Police Command has been closely monitoring the nationwide protest “End Bad Government in Nigeria” within the state. On August 5th, 2024, the command observed that the protest in Rivers State had taken a concerning turn.
“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.
“Regrettably, the protesters have resorted to unlawful acts, such as burning tyres, extorting motorists, blocking roads, damaging vehicles, harassing business owners, and stealing from innocent residents.
“Furthermore, a group has threatened that the pattern of the protest will change on August 7th, 2024, calling on traders and motorists to stay at home or join the protest.
“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.
“Therefore, 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 after the protest stops being peaceful.”
The police, however, advised that protesters should remain in the designated protest areas, which are Pleasure Park and Abali Park.
The command advised the protesters to refrain from disrupting the free movement of citizens or engaging in any unlawful activities, assuring that the police were committed to maintaining law and order, as well as ensuring the safety of all residents during this period.
Checks by Daily Sun revealed that banks, fuel stations, major markets and other public places were shut down.