Nigerians have taken to Twitter in reaction to Governor Nyesom Wike’s decision to ban #EndSARS protests set to be held in Rivers State.
A statement issued on Monday by the State’s commissioner for information, Paulinus Nsirim revealed that Governor Wike had prohibited all proposed protests against police brutality throughout the state.
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. pic.twitter.com/ZwclzFmPAv
— Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (@GovWike) October 12, 2020
The Governor explained that there was no need for protests given that the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu had disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force.
A copy of the statement obtained by The Heritage Times reads:
“All proposed protests under #EndSARS campaign are hereby prohibited. [The] 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.”
“This ban runs contrary to the provision of Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which states: “Every person shall be entitled to assembly freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any association for the protection of his interests.”
Wike’s decision sparked outrage among Nigerians who took to microblogging platform – Twitter to express their displeasure with the Governor’s decision.
Gov. Wike Sons and Daughters of RIVERS STATE STOOD THROUGH THE NIGHT TO DEFEND OUR VOTES FOR YOU! only for you to DEPRIVE US OF OUR RIGHT TO PEACEFULLY PROTEST💔💔 #PhProtest #SarsMustGo #SARSMUSTENDNOW
— TACHA🔱🇬🇭 🇳🇬 (@Symply_Tacha) October 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/EniolaHu/status/1315797629918380033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1315797629918380033%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdailytimes.ng%2Fnigerians-react-wike-bans-endsars-protests-in-rivers-state%2F
Governor Wike just issued an edict banning gathering of Nigerians in Port-Harcourt tomorrow.
Mr. Wike, a lawyer & husband of a judge, has no legal basis to issue the order.
It is a spurious & illegal order per Section 40 of the Constitution & ANPP v. Police IG (2006) CHR 181.
— Peoples Gazette (@GazetteNGR) October 12, 2020
Port Harcourt we are not backing out!
We all know Wike gave that statement just to tell the government that he doesnt have a hand in the protest
He knows we will come out! It's our right to protest
Who chop go the Bole & Jollof Rice wey we cook for una? Abeg Lap#SARSMUSTEND
— Chlorpheniramine (@VictorIsrael_) October 12, 2020
Coming from a Governor who had earlier made this grave allegation? Could it then be that the statement as clearly credited to Gov Wike was/is a political one devoid of any truth? Was it just to get back at the then SARS Commander in the state? A lawyer. A Governor. Really? Okay! pic.twitter.com/fSgYw9boAf
— W.A.R.🍷🌹 (@iamkoruzz) October 12, 2020
Governor Wike HAS NO power whatsoever to ban #EndSARS protests or any peaceful protest for that matter.
We'll see Mr Wike in court if he uses Nigeria Police/law enforcement agents to intimidate and harass Nigerian citizens simply for peacefully exercising their human rights. https://t.co/mqDHRfzjfM
— SERAP (@SERAPNigeria) October 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/YagazieEmezi/status/1315780799891935233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1315780799891935233%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdailytimes.ng%2Fnigerians-react-wike-bans-endsars-protests-in-rivers-state%2F
Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike @GovWike MUST be held accountable for any violation of protesters. #SARSMUSTEND #PortHarcourtProtests #Nigeria pic.twitter.com/wYqSpiD64a
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) October 12, 2020
What Wike doesn't know is that he has given the Nigerian Police the authority to shoot at peaceful protesters. Any bloodshed tomorrow in Portharcourt will be on Governor Wike. He should be held responsible for any bloodshed. #SarsMustGo
— Agbara Kelechi (@dr_spex) October 12, 2020
Governor Wike has only gotten people more angry and made things worse when other Governors are desperately looking for solutions. Protesting is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution. His comments might further embolden crazy police officers. #SARSMUSTEND
— Dr Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) October 13, 2020
https://twitter.com/Sakastweet/status/1315794994045878272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1315794994045878272%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdailytimes.ng%2Fnigerians-react-wike-bans-endsars-protests-in-rivers-state%2F
Whats’s your take on Governor Wike’s decision? let us know in the comment section below.
