Protesters defy River Governor Nyesom Wike order on protest banning issued out and signed by the State Honourable Commissioner for Information, Paulinus Nsirim.
“The River State Government hereby wishes to inform the General public that all forms of protest have been banned throughout the state. Therefore, all proposed protest under #Endsars campaign are hereby prohibited”.
The statements further read, ”Law enforcement agencies are also directed to ensure that the ban is enforced and that violators are brought to book”.
Lawyers have argued that right to protest is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended in section 40 which the Governor’s action is contravention of the said section.
The protesters who are currently gathering in their hundreds at the pleasure park port harcout to lend their voice to the #Endsars now.
It will be recalled that The Inspector General of Police during a press briefing on Sunday in response to the #EndSARS after due consultation with the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari announced the dissolution of SARS and announced afterwards the officer in those division will be deployed to other units.
He said a new policing arrangement to address armed robbery and other violent crimes that fall within the mandate of the dissolved tactical unit would be presented in due course.
Announcing the decision at the Force headquarters, Abuja on Sunday, Adamu acknowledged the inalienable rights of citizens to freedom of association and expression.
At a press briefing, the IG had described the #EndSARS agitation as a manifestation of the natural desire of the citizens to participate in matters concerning policing and internal security in the nation.
The people opined that the said Unit of the police had been renamed and banned several times saying the activities of these people are yet to seize.
The youths have vowed to continue their protest until an executive document supporting the decision is issued.
