Details: Wike Shunned As EndSars Protesters Spill Into The Streets Of Rivers State

Charles Oyelesi

Youths in Rivers State have shunned the directive by Governor Nyesom Wike banning EndSars protests.

Societynow.ng gathered that the protests have kicked off in Rivers State “right from its heartbeat Port-Harcourt.”

Hundreds of youths are said to have taken to the streets to protest the excesses of the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Port-Harcourt.

The protests against SARS are a result of allegations of extra-judicial killings, extortion, harassment, and general abuse of uniforms by officers of the special unit.

Protests have taken place – and are taking place – in different parts of the country which include Abuja, Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos States.

Some of the protests have resulted in the killing of private citizens and law enforcement agents and the destruction of properties including the palace of a traditional ruler, the Soun of Ogbomosho (Oyo State) Oba, Jimoh Oladunni Oyewunmi.

Wike’s attempt to prevent similar protests in Rivers State with the directive issued yesterday, October 12, 2020, and signed by the commissioner for information Paulinus Nsirim has turned a futile effort.

Youths have ignored the Governor’s order, especially the threat of arrest and prosecution as they spill into the streets in their hundreds protesting against SARS and demanding the reform of the Nigerian Police Force.

Insiders insist that Wike’s directive is laced with fear of the known, more because of political reasons than any other.

‘’The fear that the opposition may hijack the protests and use it to give him a tough time’’ societynow.ng learned.