Rivers police warn against protest

RIVERS State Police Command has warned against plans by unknown individuals to hold a protest March today (Monday) in Port Harcourt metropolis and other locations in the state against the recent Federal High Court judgment nullifying the election of the chairmen of 22 councils and the swearing-in of caretaker committees.

In a statement signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Austin Agbonlahor, the police said the Command has credible intelligence that another group will counter the protesters.

This, according to him, this could lead to confrontation with unpleasant consequences. Protest marches are meant to register perceived grievances over the Court’s pronouncement and subsequent action of the state government. We are in a democracy, where the Rule of Law and the right to protest are legitimate rights and aspirations. However, these rights stop where those of the other person begins.

“We acknowledge that anyone can hold a legitimate and peaceful protest, it is also fair to admit that the protest planners would not be able to control the process as pro and anti forces, including hoodlums could hijack it and turn the State into a theatre of violence,” he said. On that basis, the police advised that all aggrieved persons should sheath their swords and toe the path of honour by resorting to legal means to seek redress and justice.