Nigerians Drag Wike For Banning #EndSARS Protests In Rivers

Nigerians have berated Governor Nyesom Wike for prohibiting #EndSARS protests in Rivers State, south-south Nigeria.

Naija News had reported earlier that Governor Wike banned all forms of protests in Rivers State and particularly, the #EndSARS protests currently rocking many states in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Paulinus Nsirim on Monday evening, the Rivers State Governor announced that no form of #EndSARS protest will be allowed in the state.

The Governor said the decision to ban the protests followed the announcement by the Inspector-General of Police that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has been dissolved. He, therefore, argued that since SARS has been dissolved, there is no need for the protests to continue.

Governor Wike said: “The Rivers State Government hereby wish to inform the general public that all forms of protests have been banned throughout the State.”

“Therefore, all proposed protests under #EndSars Campaign are hereby prohibited.

“Government took this decision because the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had already scrapped the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

“Therefore, there is no need for any form of protest against a Unit of the Police Force that no longer exists.

“Parents and Guardians are therefore advised to ensure that their children or wards do not violate this order.

“Law enforcement agencies are also directed to ensure that the ban is enforced and that violators are brought to book.”

Displease with the governor’s order, Nigerians, including ex-BBNaija star, Tacha, took to the micro-blogging site, Twitter to berate the Rivers State Governor.

Naija News captured some of the reactions below…

With all Due respect your Excellency, you are a lawyer and I believe you know better, this is a DEMOCRACY SYSTEM and Rivers State belongs to all the Daughters and Sons of the state. It is our RIGHT TO PEACEFULLY PROTEST AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY✊?✊?✊? #SarsMustGoNow #PhProtest https://t.co/KYHBMQZAgF

— TACHA????? (@Symply_Tacha) October 12, 2020

Governor Wike of Rivers State. We troway salute but base on 1 or 2s men go still lap the pleasure park. If you dey burst out carry your kpalas ?

— FOX EXCHANGE #EndSars #EndSarsNow #SARSmustend (@foxexchange_) October 12, 2020

Nyesom Wike is cancelled. He waited till 11pm, the eve of the PortHarcourt protest to make this unconstitutional announcement. He opened the door for bloodthirsty police officers to shoot innocent Nigerians tomorrow. We will not forget, any life lost will be on his head. #EndSARS

— Ugo (@UgoIkeakor) October 12, 2020

This is the only Governor in Nigeria that has banned constitutionally mandated protests. He shouldn’t go near Aso Rock. Nyesom Wike is a tyrant and must be blacklisted like Nasir Elrufai!!! https://t.co/7TNKa9YaJz

— Kingsley #EndSARS (@kingysly_01) October 12, 2020

Wike has no right to ban any peaceful protest, let him do his worst. He wasn't the one that gave us that fundamental human right but the constitution he swore to uphold.#SARSMUSTEND

— Ayemojubar ? (@ayemojubar) October 12, 2020

The reported decision of Nyesom Wike led Rivers State Government purportedly banning the expression of the fundamental rights of citizens is disgraceful especially when you consider that the Governor is a lawyer & a member of the Body of Benchers! Plus he is married to a Judge.

— O. A. U. (@OrjiUka) October 12, 2020

When governors are not arming SARS, they are banning rallies like Wike. They don't own Nigeria; the people do.

The Pitakwa #SARSMUSTEND march goes on

— Great Oracle (@AbdulMahmud01) October 12, 2020

Not surprised one bit that Wike has banned #EndSARS protests in Rivers. Just listen to him speak&the hoarseness of his voice at once gives him out as an out-and-out dictator. These #SARSMUSTEND protests have only exposed him.

Wike thinks the youth are weak; he'll find out 2moro.

— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) October 12, 2020

Wike bans EndSars Protest in Portharcourt??? ?#SARSMUSTEND

— DANNY WALTER? #ShoePlug (@DannyWalta) October 12, 2020

Wike dey threaten PH boys, people wey dey use hand catch bullet

— Samuel Mbah (@Mbahdeyforyou) October 13, 2020