Read the press statement below..
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has banned all forms of
street protests in the state, condemning the street protests by the
Indigenous People of Biafra which have crippled commercial
activities in the state.
The governor declared : "let no one be in doubt of the resolve of the
Rivers State Government and the security agencies to maintain law and
order at all cost within the State and preserve the unity of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria."
In a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday night, Governor Wike decried the
movement of protesters from neighbouring States into Rivers State,
noting that they have inflicted injuries on other citizens going
about their lawful businesses.
He said: "Majority of these individuals have come from neighbouring
States and in the course of these protests, disrupted social and
economic activities, damaged properties, assaulted and inflicted
injuries on other citizens going about their lawful endeavours."
"While individuals and groups are free to exercise their freedom of
expression, they must do so peacefully and strictly within the bounds of
the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No individual or
group has the right, whatsoever, to disturb public peace and order,
threaten the safety of the public and create fear and an atmosphere of
insecurity in the State or any part thereof."
"The right of any group of persons to agitate for their perceived rights
cannot be allowed to infringed on the rights of other Nigerians,
especially the people of Rivers State to remain an integral component of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
Banning all forms of street protests, Governor Wike : "Consequently,
after due consultations with the members of the State Security Council,
and in exercise of my constitutional responsibility to preserve the
safety, security and corporate integrity of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, it is hereby ordered that all forms of street protests,
demonstrations, rallies or unlawful gatherings associated with the
agitations for the secession of any group from the Federal Republic of
Nigeria are banned in Rivers State.
" Any person or group who violates this ban or acts in any manner
prejudicial to the interest of peace and security would be arrested and
prosecuted. "
The governor commended security agencies for their mature handling
of the the protests so far, urging them to continue to work in
the right direction.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
