Wike Bans Street Protests , Condemns Pro - Biafra Agitations In Rivers

The Governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Wike, on
Tuesday banned protests by “some unauthorised group”
calling for the release of the director of a pirate radio station,
Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
The Southeast and Southsouth parts of Nigeria have in
recent days witnessed massive protests by separatists
calling for the creation of Biafra and the release of their
leader in detention.
In a
state broadcast following protests by pro-Biafra groups in
Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Mr. Wike banned all forms of
street protests, demonstrations, rallies or unlawful
gatherings associated with the agitations for the secession
of any group from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“For the second time within a month individuals and groups
purporting to represent the indigenous people of Biafra have
held unauthorized protests on the streets in Port Harcourt.
“Majority of these individuals have come from neighbouring
states and in the course of these protests, disrupted social
and economic activities, damaged properties, assaulted and
inflicted injuries on other citizens going about their lawful
endeavors.
“While individuals and groups are free to exercise their
freedom of expression, they must do so peacefully and
strictly within the bounds of the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
“No individual or group has the right, whatsoever, to disturb
public peace and order, threaten the safety of the public and
create fear and an atmosphere of insecurity in the state or
any part thereof.
“The right of any group of persons to agitate for their
perceived rights cannot be allowed to infringe on the rights
of other Nigerians, especially the people of Rivers State to
remain an integral component of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
“Our government was elected on a mandate, and has sworn
to an oath, to defend the sovereignty of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria. Therefore, the Rivers State Government will not
fold its arms and allow members of the indigenous people of
Biafra or any other group to turn the State or any part
thereof into a hotbed of unlawful protests against the unity
and peaceful co-existence of the various peoples and ethnic
groups within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Consequently, after due consultations with the members of
the State Security Council, and in exercise of my
constitutional responsibility to preserve the safety, security
and corporate integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it
is hereby ordered that all forms of street protests,
demonstrations, rallies or unlawful gatherings associated
with the agitations for the secession of any group from the
Federal Republic of Nigeria are banned in Rivers State.
“Any person or group who violates this ban or acts in any
manner prejudicial to the interest of peace and security
would be arrested and prosecuted.
“While we commend the security agencies for their maturity
in handling the situation foisted on us, I call on the people
and residents of Rivers State to be more vigilant and report
any further activities that threaten public peace, order, safety
and security to any of the law enforcement agencies for
immediate action.
“Finally, let no one be in doubt of the resolve of the Rivers
State Government and the security agencies to maintain law
and order at all cost within the State and preserve the unity
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Thank you. God bless Rivers State and the Federal Republic
of Nigeria”, Governor Wike said in the broadcast.