Anti-riot policemen fired tear gas at peaceful protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, marching against the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu.
The police had earlier taken over major roads and strategic places in the city, in a bid to forestall the planned protest by the Niger Delta Congress (NDC).
Convener of the protest and leader of NDC, Nubari Saatah, had earlier been quizzed by the police in connection with the protest.
As the protest kicked off on Monday, along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, anti-riot policemen bared their fangs and descended on the peaceful protesters with tear gas.
A victim of the police brutality told our correspondent that “avoid CFC flyover unless you can collect tear gas like us with no issues.
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“I saw some people protesting. I don’t know what they’re protesting about. But policemen were throwing canisters of teargas.
“I drove and passed, some cars are avoiding the place. So, you too, unless it is an emergency, avoid that area for now.”
The NDC through its spokesperson, Mudiaga Ogboru, had insisted that the protest will hold today as planned.
“We invite all Rivers State citizens to join a peaceful protest in full compliance with the law on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Isaac Boro Park from 7 am to call for the restoration of the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State. Together we stand in our pursuit of justice,” the group said in a statement.
