People of Port Harcourt defy Wike’s order, join #EndSARS protest

People of Port Harcourt defy Governor Wike’s order as they have gone ahead to join #EndSARS protests which is currently going on in different parts of Nigeria.

The Rivers State government led by Governor Nyesom Wike, in a statement on Monday, said the people of the state should not go on to protest. But the people went ahead with the #EndSARS protest since SARS has already been dissolved by the police.

The statement said law enforcement agencies have been directed to enforce the ban and bring violators to justice.

However, protesters earlier on Tuesday, marched to the Government House, where the protest leaders are expected to present their grievances against police brutality, to the Rivers State government.

“Solidarity forever! Solidarity forever! Solidarity forever!” the crowd of protesters sang as they marched through the road.

While some also sang, “If Port Harcourt do tire you go Sambisa oo.”

Some of the protesters said it would be a great relief for Nigerian citizens if SARS officials are deployed to Sambisa forest to fight Boko Haram terrorists, instead of brutalising innocent citizens.

“As I speak to you, youth numbering over 10,000 are gathered here for the #EndSARS protest,” Ejit Josiah, programme officer stated. He also said: “We the People organization, Rivers State around 11a.m.

“We are right now in front of the Government House, Port Harcourt.”

Police officers and other security officials stood by and calmly watched the protesters.

Mr Josiah said: “overwhelming” number of people participating in the protest was an indication that Governor Wike’s ban on protest in Rivers State “fell on deaf ears”.

Presently in Uyo, People of Akwa Ibom have also joined in the #EndSARS protest.