Tobias Sylvester
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has banned all forms of protests against the extrajudicial activities of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.
KanyiDaily had reported that there is an ongoing #EndSARS protest across the country against the SARS tactical unit of the Nigerian Police Force over brutality, illegal arrest, extortion, extra-judicial killings, among others.
However, in a statement by his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, on Monday night, Governor Wike said all proposed protests by #EndSARS campaigners have been prohibited in Rivers.
The governor explained that there was no need for any form of demonstration since the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had disbanded the SARS. He warned that violators will be arrested and brought to book.
“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 #EndSARS 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,” the statement 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 #EndSars Campaign are hereby prohibited. pic.twitter.com/ZwclzFmPAv
— Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (@GovWike) October 12, 2020
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has assurred Nigerians that the disbandment of the SARS police unit was the first step to “extensive police reforms”.
