Rivers: Police uses teargas to disperse protesting owners of demolished houses

Forum 7 years ago

Rivers: Police uses teargas to disperse protesting owners of demolished houses

Some owners of waterfront structures that were demolished by the Rivers State Government have staged a protest at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The protest was interrupted by security operatives who fired tear gas canisters; some persons were also arrested.

After the initial interruption, the protesters later reassembled around UTC Junction, Azikiwe Road, in another attempt to draw attention to their hopeless conditions.

Some of the protesters who spoke to newsmen pleaded with Governor Nyesom Wike to allow them more time to look for alternative accommodation for their families, adding that one week was not enough for them to relocate from their present habitation.

The protesting waterfront dwellers were also joined by some civil society activists, including Michael Uwemedimo who accused the state government of unfair treatment to the communities.?

Uwemediom said, “How can they give the occupants one week to move out of their residents? Where in the world is it done? Many people have been displaced because of these demolitions. We want the government to fight insecurity but this is not the manner.”

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in the State, Uche Anozia urged the protesters to be peaceful in their agitation, as well as to embrace negotiation with the state government.

Governor Nyesom Wike has personally led some of the demolition operations, just as he gave those still residing in such illegal structures one week grace to look for alternative accommodation.