1-Million-Man-Protest: Restrict Yourselves To Designated Areas – Rivers Police
…Vow To Arrest, Prosecute Law Breakers
From ERIC MOORE, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Police Command has noted the 1-million-man-protest scheduled on Saturday across the country and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and advised the participants to restrict themselves to the designated places.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has mandate all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Team Commanders to implement robust patrol strategies and closely monitor the demonstration.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), in a statement issued on Friday night, warned that the command would deal decisively any person or group of persons, who will use the last lap of the protest to constitute nuisance in the state.
She noted: “The Rivers State Police Command has been informed about the planned “One-Million-Man-Protest” scheduled to take place across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
“We are aware that some miscreants, who were previously prevented from engaging in looting and other criminal activities during the earlier days of the protest, have resolved to use this final day to harass innocent citizens, unleash mayhem, loot, and extort unsuspecting residents of the state.
The Command vowed it would not condone any protest or procession outside of the two designated areas – Pleasure Park and Abali (Isaac Boro) Park.
“In light of this, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed all would-be protesters to converge at the designated areas of Abali Park and Pleasure Park to carry out the exercise.
“This will enable the Police to effectively protect the protesters and curtail any breakdown of law and order in the state.
“The Commissioner of Police has further instructed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Team Commanders to implement robust patrol strategies and maintain close monitoring across their respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs).
“Their mandate is to apprehend and prosecute any individuals or groups found to be engaging in unlawful activities or causing disturbances.
“The Rivers State Police Command has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism in managing the protests over the past nine days, which has resulted in the state not recording any casualties.
“The Command is committed to maintaining this record and will respond swiftly to any breach of law and order, without hesitation.
The command advised members of the public to refrain from any actions that may compromise the peace and security of the state.
Iringe-Koko added: “The Command is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the public order.”