Police operatives beat protesters, fire teargas in Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have fired teargas at a group of protesters who are members of the ‘Take It Back Movement’ in Port Harcourt.

The protesters had gathered at Isaac Boro Park in the state’s capital as early as 9 am but were met with a heavy security presence.

Despite the heavy police presence, the protesters stood their ground.

“Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” some protesters told the police.

Police operatives reportedly beat up some protesters and journalists at the protest grounds.

The Guardian learnt that they gathered to lead a demonstration against the cybercrime act, clampdown on civil rights and the reinstatement of the suspended Rivers State Governor, Simnalayi Fubara.

“Take it back” and “Bring back Governor Sim” were heard as protesters marched the streets.

READ ALSO: Luis Enrique’s revolution leaves PSG stronger without the superstars

The protesters knocked the Federal Government for infringing on their democratic rights by imposing a sole administrator on them and declaring a state of emergency in the state.

As they stormed Isaac Boro Park on Monday, other protesters gathered in Lagos and Abuja.

The Guardian had earlier reported that Omoyele Sowore, the convener of Revolution Now, and Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and human rights activist were present at the Abuja protest.

In Lagos, protesters were denied access to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The Nigeria Police Force had warned them against staging the protest, noting that it was ill-conceived and a malicious attempt to malign its image.