A potential confrontation between demonstrators and police was narrowly avoided on Friday in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, as nationwide protests against economic hardship entered their second day.
The Explainer learned, the incident occurred along the bustling Aba Road when a convoy of counter-terrorism police units, conducting a show of force, encountered protesters gathered at the Pleasure Park. As officers attempted to clear the road, demonstrators resisted, chanting, “No! No! How many people police go kill?”
The situation escalated when armed officers disembarked from their vehicles, creating a tense standoff. Protest leaders, recognizing the volatile situation, quickly intervened and directed participants to move aside, defusing the immediate threat of violence.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, arrived at the scene shortly after to address the protesters. He commended their peaceful conduct while urging them to avoid blocking roads.
“It is your right to protest, but please don’t do anything that will disrupt public peace and don’t infringe on the rights of other citizens,” Disu stated.
He assured protesters that they would not face intimidation or harassment as long as they remained orderly, leaving a Deputy Commissioner to oversee the situation.
A spokesperson for the demonstrators responded to the Commissioner’s appeal, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful protest.
“Sir, I hope the DC is peaceful. Since yesterday, we have been protesting peacefully and we went to the Government House where the Governor addressed us,” the protester said.
The spokesperson also highlighted the reasons behind the demonstrations, citing economic grievances.
They said, “We are on a peaceful protest against bad government in Nigeria. We want the return of the fuel subsidy. We call on the President to also subsidise electricity.”
They added, “There is so much hunger, poverty and suffering. The cost of living is too much. President Bola Tinubu must do something or resign from office. We are tired.”
