Hardship Protest: Police make massive deployment in Rivers

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•Advices protesters to act lawfully

Emma Sunday,

The Rivers State Police Command said it has made massive deployment of personnel ahead of the August 1 #EndBadGovernance protest planned by some youths and civil society groups across the country.

Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olatunji Disu in a statement issued on Wednesday night by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Grace Iringe-Koko said the Command has been closely monitoring the events surrounding the planned 10 days nationwide protests scheduled to start August 1, 2024, and is prepared to act professionally in maintaining law and order during the period.

The statement which acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to gather and protest peacefully, however, said the command is wary of the possibilities of hoodlums hijacking the protests, and that mischief makers may use the protests to create chaos and unrest in the state.

The statement reads in part, “Organizers and protesters are strongly urged to conduct themselves in a manner that does not compromise public safety and security or infringe on the rights of others. The police will not tolerate any acts of criminality, such as looting, robbery, or the harassment of innocent citizens, as these are not legitimate forms of protest. We will firmly uphold the law and fulfill our constitutional duty to maintain order.

“To bolster our preparedness, the Command is collaborating with sister security agencies and other security stakeholders in the state to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order before, during, and after the protests. We have put in place measures to ensure a seamless operation, including the sensitization and training of our officers, enhanced surveillance, improved patrol intensity, and the deployment of tactical units for crowd control, among other strategies.

“The Command reiterates our commitment to respecting the rights of peaceful protesters and calls on the organizers to ensure that the protests remain lawful and orderly. We also charge everyone to act in the spirit of patriotism and civic responsibility.

“The Rivers State Police Command is resolute in its determination to maintain peace and stability during the planned protests. We will not hesitate to take appropriate action to prevent any unlawful acts or disruptions to public order. We urge all citizens to cooperate with the police and exercise their rights responsibly.”