- Action Draws Harsh Comments
The Rivers State Government on Monday announced a ban on all forms of protests against police brutality in the state.
Governor Nyesom Wike said he announced the ban in the state owing to the response by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu to the demands of the protesters by scrapping the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), including the commitment pledged by the Nigerian government to reform the police force, something that formed the primary basis for the #EndSARS protests nationwide.
In a statement by the Governor through the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Paulinus Nsirim, Wike said the ban covers all protests against police brutality holding in different parts of Nigeria.
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The statement reads thus: “The Rivers State Government hereby wish to inform the general public that all forms of protests have been banned throughout the State.
“The Rivers State Government hereby wish to inform the general public that all forms of protests have been banned throughout the State.
“Therefore, all proposed protests under #EndSars Campaign are hereby prohibited.
“Government took this decision because the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had already scrapped the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
“Therefore, there is no need for any form of protest against a Unit of the Police Force that no longer exists.
“Parents and Guardians are therefore advised to ensure that their children or wards do not violate this order.
“Law enforcement agencies are also directed to ensure that the ban is enforced and that violators are brought to book.”
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However, the decision has drawn harsh criticisms as the action violates citizen’s rights to peaceful protest in Rivers as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
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