Rivers State Police fired teargas at protesters in Port Harcourt on Monday morning as tensions rose over the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
The protest, organized by the Take It Back Movement, took place at Isaac Boro Park, a popular venue in the state’s capital. The demonstrators, who gathered in response to the emergency rule imposed in the region, faced a heavy police presence as they arrived at the park.
The protest began around 9:00 am, with young members of the Take It Back Movement voicing their opposition to the government’s decision. As the crowd assembled, police officers swiftly moved in and attempted to disperse them.
In the face of the heavy security presence, the demonstrators remained resolute, chanting slogans and making their position clear.
The protesters were heard shouting, “Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” in a defiant display of their right to protest.
These words were directed at the police officers, who had been deployed in large numbers to ensure that the demonstration did not escalate. It was a tense standoff as the protesters stood their ground, while officers prepared to take action.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier advised the organizers of the protest to cancel their plans. The police warned the group against proceeding with the demonstration, suggesting that it could lead to public disorder.
However, the protesters chose to go ahead with their plans, continuing to voice their concerns over the state of affairs in Rivers.
