By Gbenga Abulude (Politics & General Desk)
The EndSARS protesters on Tuesday have begun their protests in Port Harcourt, the state capital, defying the order by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike banning all forms of protests against police brutality in the state.
A great number of youths marched towards the Pleasure Park on Aba Road and gathered at a place opposite the park.
Read also: #EndSARS: Why Wike Banned Protests Against Police Brutality In Rivers
The protesters chanted and sang, insisting Wike had no right to ban a peaceful protest.
Live at the #PortHarcourtProtests
They say we shouldn’t meet at pleasure park so we are opposite pleasure park. Out to fight for our fundamental human right. #PhProtest Ph Twitter pic.twitter.com/OVDxbYmNdE— Tumini Abbey (@TutuAbbey) October 13, 2020
The youths blocked the busy Aba Road and caused traffic gridlock on the highway, carrying various placards with the inscription “EndSARS”, “No to Police Brutality”.
The Governor in a statement issued on Monday by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Paulinus Nsirim, said the ban covers all protests against police brutality holding in different parts of Nigeria.
“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.”
The Governor’s action has drawn harsh criticisms for announcing a ban on all forms of protests and for violating citizen’s rights.
The New Diplomat had reported on Monday that #EndSARS protesters demonstrated at different areas of Lagos causing traffic logjam at Lekki, Alausa in Ikeja, Ikorodu Road, Surulere, Yaba and Ojota among others, and paralyzing business activities.
Read also: IGP Disbands FSARS Nationwide, Heeds #EndSARS Call
A protester was reportedly killed by the police and another was injured during the protest.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu addressed the protesters in Lekki who blocked the expressway, urging them to be decorous and peaceful while expressing their grievances against the excessive use of force by SARS.
Sanwo-Olu had said he will be meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, today to present the further demands made by End SARS protesters following the dissolution of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
