#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Protesters, police clash avoided in Rivers

On Friday, the second day of a nationwide hunger protest, a potential confrontation between protesting youths and members of the Nigeria Police Force‘s counter-terrorism unit was avoided.

The incident began when the counter-terrorism officers were demonstrating their presence along the busy Aba Road and encountered the protesters at Pleasure Park in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The officers, arriving in multiple patrol vehicles, instructed the youths to clear the road for them. However, the protesters responded with a unified chant of No! No!

How many people will police kill? Despite the armed officers’ insistence that they leave the area, some began to exit their vehicles as tensions escalated toward what could have been a violent clash.

Recognizing the potential for conflict, the leaders of the protest urged the young participants to vacate the roadway, which helped restore order.

At the same time, Olatunji Disu, the state Commissioner of Police, learned about the escalating situation and quickly arrived at the location. He spoke to the demonstrators, urging them not to obstruct traffic.

Disu praised them for their peaceful behavior since the protest commenced yesterday, emphasizing that while they have a right to demonstrate, they should refrain from actions that could disturb public peace or violate others’ rights.

I have a request to make. Please refrain from obstructing the roads. Blocking the road infringes on the rights of others who are using it.

I will ensure that the Deputy Commissioner of Police is present with you, and I guarantee that no one, including any officers, will intimidate or harass you as long as you maintain a peaceful and orderly demeanor.

In reply, one protester emphasized their commitment to peaceful demonstration since Thursday and reassured the Commissioner of Police about their intentions.

He said, Sir, I hope the Deputy Commissioner remains calm. We have been protesting peacefully since yesterday and even visited the Government House where we were addressed by the Governor.

However, please instruct your officers not to threaten us. Our protest is against poor governance in Nigeria; we demand the restoration of fuel subsidies and urge the President to also subsidize electricity costs.

The levels of hunger, poverty, and suffering are overwhelming; living expenses are exorbitant. President Bola Tinubu must take action or step down from his position—we can’t endure this any longer.