Nigerians React As Protests-Erupt Over Rivers State Caretaker-Committees As Youths Demand-Justice

Nigerians React As Protests-Erupt Over Rivers State Caretaker-Committees As Youths Demand-Justice

The political crisis in Rivers State took a new turn yesterday as youths staged a peaceful protest against the local government caretaker committees inaugurated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Under the aegis of the Nigerian Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the protesters marched to the state police headquarters to thank Police Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, Police Commissioner Tunji Disu, and security agents for taking control of the council secretariats to prevent chaos.

House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who led the protest in Obio-Akpor local government, urged continued resistance to perceived injustice.

The police assured the protesters of their commitment to neutrality in their duties.

Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore peace in the state.

The youths, carrying placards with messages like “FG save Rivers State from autocracy” and “Thank you Nigerian Police for maintaining law and order in our LGAs,” appealed to the police to maintain their presence at the secretariats until court cases are resolved.

NYCN Chairman Nwinsabari Bani, who led the march, praised the police for preventing violence and accused those loyal to Governor Fubara of exacerbating the crisis.

Bani expressed disappointment in the governor’s decision to fund the takeover of local governments with arms, thanking the police for their intervention.

He called for continued police occupation of the secretariats and urged the Inspector-General of Police to support the Rivers State command in maintaining peace.

Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu assured the protesters that the police would continue to protect lives and properties without political bias.