A #Take-It-Back protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was forcefully dispersed on April 7, when officers of the Rivers State Police Command deployed tear gas against the demonstrators.
Organisers and supporters of the Take It Back Movement, alongside members of Civil Society Organisations and the Niger Delta Congress, had convened at Isaac Boro Park. However, their gathering was met with opposition from operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, who initially instructed them to relocate to another venue.
Undeterred by this directive, the protesters began singing solidarity anthems and commenced a march within Isaac Boro Park, subsequently proceeding onto the busy Aba Express Road.
Upon reaching the CFC junction, the armed anti-riot police once again intercepted the procession, demanding that they leave the street. This order was once again defied by the demonstrating groups.
In response to their continued protest, the police officers discharged tear gas canisters, causing the various protesting groups to scatter in search of safety.
Similar protests have begun in Lagos, Oyo and other states of the Federation with demonstrators demanding good governance.
Police authorities had on Sunday called on the organisers of the nationwide protest to shelve the plan, citing several national issues.
Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi had described the protest as ill-timed, especially as it coincided with the National Police Day celebration.
“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous,” Adejobi had said.
