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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 yesterday, during protest,threatening to unleash mayhem on transporters and traders who open for business activities instead of joining the nationwide protest.
Though, they (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 that defaulters would not be spared.
Meanwhile, the protesters, yesterday, blocked the Rumuokoro axis of the East-West Road in Port Harcourt with sticks and green leaves.
However, the state police command has vowed to arrest and prosecute persons, who would turn the recorded peaceful protest in the state into violence.
The warning came after the command observed that the protest was assuming a different dimension following the decision of the protesting youths.
Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, described the protesters’ action as regrettable, warning that the command would not allow any group of persons to cause breakdown of law and order in the state.
“The Command has been closely monitoring the nationwide protest ‘EndBadGovernment in Nigeria’ within the state. On August 5, 2024, the command observed that the protest in Rivers State has taken a disturbing 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 tires, 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 7, 2024, calling on traders and motorists to stay at home or join the protest.
“The Command affirms the constitutional right of citizens to protest and express their views.
“However, the command has observed clear indications that the organisers 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 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.
