Untold Story: Why Wike Banned EndSars Protests In Rivers State

Charles Oyelesi

Governor Nyesom Wike has banned protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Rivers State.

Wike has also directed law enforcement agencies “to ensure that the ban is enforced and that violators are brought to book.”

The Governor premises his reason for this action on the fact that ” 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.”

Insiders, however, insist that the ban has more to do with politics and fear of a possible hijack of the process against the Governor.

Wike is enmeshed in a full blown battle with his estranged friend who is a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rotim Amaechi over the control of the politics of Rivers State.

Amaechi is a chieftain of the political party in charge of the Federal Government, All Progressives Congress while Wike is a leader of People’s Democratic Party.

“Wike has the upper hand in the fierce supremacy battle with Amaechi over control of Rivers State and his jealously guarding this edge. He doesn’t want to give Amaechi any form of foothold to leverage on, hence the ban” societynow.ng learned.

Insiders disclosed that Wike fears Amaechi and his co-travellers may hijack the protest and try to use it to make him (Wike) unpopular.

” The ban is more about the fear of the unknown” societynow.ng gathered.

The statement by the administration of Government Wike announcing the ban on EndSars protests signed by Paulinus Nsirim, the Commissioner for Information reads…

“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 #End SARS Campaign are hereby prohibited.

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.”