On Monday morning, police officers from the Rivers State Command dispersed protesters who had gathered at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, using tear gas and chasing them from the area.
According to Naija News, the protesters—members of the ‘Take It Back Movement’—were met with a heavy police presence when they arrived at the park around 9 a.m. to protest the recent state of emergency declared in the state.
Channels Television reported that some protesters, including journalists covering the event, were allegedly assaulted by police officers.
Despite warnings from law enforcement, the young protesters insisted on their right to assemble, saying, “Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people.”
In response, Nigeria Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi criticized the protest, questioning its timing and purpose.
Speaking to Channels TV on Sunday, Adejobi said the demonstration was unnecessary and poorly timed, as April 7th had been designated by the federal government as National Police Day—a day set aside to honor the police force.
He also said the chosen protest location was scheduled to be used by the police on April 1st for official activities.
“We’ve advised them not to go ahead with the protest,” he said. “What’s the point of staging a protest that has no clear justification? The government has chosen April 7th to recognize the dedication and service of the police. Now a group—the Take It Back Movement—suddenly wants to hold a nationwide protest on the same day. Every country has a special day to appreciate their police force, and Nigeria is no exception. That day should be for celebration, not protest.
