#EndBadGovernance protesters storm Wike’s house in Rivers, demands his resignation as FCT minister
The ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest took a new dimension in Rivers state on Tuesday as the protesters in their large numbers stormed the Port Harcourt residence of the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, asking him to resign.
While some protesters were protesting at Wike’s residence, other protesters were scattered in other parts of the city, including Aba Road, and Akpajo axis as the protest continued to gather momentum.
Another set of protesters were also at the entrance of Indorama Petrochemicals, causing heavy traffic challenge along the ever-busy East-West Road.
Some of the protesters said they would protest until the 10th day to register their anger and frustration over the way the country is being governed by political leaders.
While some of the protesters carried placards conveying their messages to political leaders, others simply walked along the roads, obstructing traffic and urging motorists to join them.
At Wike”s mansion along Ada George Road, Port Harcourt, the protesters, who were peaceful and organized in their conduct, blamed Wike for causing trouble in Rivers instead of focusing on his position as FCT minister.
The protesters said that despite the hardship occasioned by inflation and the increase in the price of petrol, the former governor continues to “cause trouble” in Rivers and the entire Niger Delta region.
The protesters, who carried on their activities peacefully, displayed placards with inscriptions, expressing dissatisfaction over the poverty, hunger and high cost of food items in the country.
Some protesters said they were not satisfied with the federal government’s appeal to call off the protest.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has accused the protesters of not continuing with the peaceful way they conducted themselves when they started the protest.
The spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement, also accused the protesters of burning tires and plotting to cause mayhem in the state.
She said: “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 Rivers State Police Command affirms the constitutional right of citizens to protest and express their views. However, the command has observed clear indications that the organizers 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 advise 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.”
