The nationwide protests seem to turn violent in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after peaceful demonstration and jamboree fashion style.
Now, the protest seems to take a strange but violent turn, those snowballing into political positions.
Whereas the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and top leaders in the federal administration called a meeting on Monday, August 5, 2024, in Port Harcourt to rejoice over what they termed calmness by the youths, the All Progressives Congress (APC) camp loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike raised alarm that their state secretariat on Aba Road was attacked.
The leader of the party, Tony Okocha, is said to have promised to retaliate in his way, saying it certainly will not be in the form that was used against his party.
He squarely alleged that the hoodlums were Gov Sim Fubara’s thugs.
The governor had late last week raised his own alarm that sponsored thugs were being prepared to take over the protests whereas he said the normal protesters had pledged peace.
Based on the alarms of violence and sounds of the theatre of war, the state’s police command has issued a stern statement late Monday, August 5, 2024.
Grace Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police and police public relations officer (PPRO), in a statement she signed, confirmed that the protests were turning violent, the command had been closely monitoring the developments.
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“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 7th, 2024, calling on traders and motorists to stay at home or join the protest.”
The command admitted the rights of citizens to protest but rejected what it called clear evidence of violence, saying the organisers seemed to lose control.
The command advised that protesters should remain in the designated protest areas, Pleasure Park and Abali Park. “They should refrain from disrupting the free movement of citizens or engaging in any unlawful activities. The command is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all residents during this period.”
Groups of youths have gone round asking traders to close shops and join the protests or stay home. Every often, traders flee and shut shops, and later reopen.
Those interviewed said it was getting worse by the day.
Some former warlords had warned against bringing the protests to the Niger Delta, threatening to roll out their own forces. Some political camps are promising to return action for action. These threats seem to show the gathering of clouds in Rivers State.
According to sources, if this happens, it may depart the shores of demand for good governance to what the state is known for, the trenches.
