Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike’s order banning protests in the state has been met with severe criticism on social media.
The governor gave the order in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim.
“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,” Wike’s statement read.
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But many Nigerians that did not take kindly to the order said the governor was acting beyond his powers.
They said that Wike, who is a lawyer and husband of a judge, should know better, stressing that his order contravened Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and court judgement in ANPP vs Police (2006) CHR 181.
Read comments monitored on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/PUREHAIRE/status/1315887558916747264
Honestly we need to report that Wike's tweet as hate speech.
— Dr Uche (@nnabros) October 12, 2020
See in Nigeria ehn there are states you don’t joke with! PORTHARCOURT dey top 3! Wike should know better than to threaten a whole city! #SARSMUSTEND
— Dr Craze (@crazeclown) October 13, 2020
With what happened today Wike just pissed off a new set of people … we are not your kids! We elected you! 😡😡ffs #SARSMUSTEND
— Dr Craze (@crazeclown) October 13, 2020
Wike that needs to be banned is banning protest. Only in Nigeria will some nonsense happen.#EndSars #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria #SARSMUSTEND https://t.co/Wuap2tjXMi
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) October 13, 2020
Nyesom Wike is the biggest shocker of a disgrace and nuisance of a leader since this #SARSMUSTEND movement started. Imagine the nerve in that “order”. Such God complex. Man needs a brain surgery ASAP.
— Ayò-Bánkólé Akíntújoyè (@AyoBankole) October 13, 2020
What Mr Wike said is more reason why Rivers state people should come out and peacefully protest today
You elected him into office, he didn’t become a Governor all by himself !! #SARSMUSTEND
— Naija wants to #EndSARS (@Naija_PR) October 13, 2020
#SARSMUSTEND: Don't ever forget that Gov. Wike, again sides with the oppressors. When he come to you with his hands behind his thighs, remind him that he openly sides with the oppressors when it matters the most. Don't forget!!
— Banjo Damilola (@RealBanjo) October 13, 2020
Governor Wike has only gotten people more angry and made things worse when other Governors are desperately looking for solutions. Protesting is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution. His comments might further embolden crazy police officers. #SARSMUSTEND
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) October 13, 2020
Not surprised one bit that Wike has banned #EndSARS protests in Rivers. Just listen to him speak&the hoarseness of his voice at once gives him out as an out-and-out dictator. These #SARSMUSTEND protests have only exposed him.
Wike thinks the youth are weak; he'll find out 2moro.
— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) October 12, 2020
When governors are not arming SARS, they are banning rallies like Wike. They don't own Nigeria; the people do.
The Pitakwa #SARSMUSTEND march goes on
— Great Oracle (@AbdulMahmud01) October 12, 2020
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