Cybercrime Act, Emergency Rule Protest: Police, Protesters Clash In Abuja, Port Harcourt
The Take-It-Back Movement organized a protest against the Cybercrime Act and emergency rule in Rivers State. The protest led to clashes between police and protesters in Abuja and Port Harcourt.
The Take-It-Back Movement, a coalition of civil society organizations, called for the protest to draw attention to the growing wave of authoritarianism under the current administration. The protesters demanded the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the reversal of the suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State.
Clashes in Abuja
In Abuja, the protesters turned out in large numbers, despite efforts by the police to stop their procession. The protesters marched to the National Assembly, where they met an empty complex due to the ongoing recess of lawmakers. The police fired tear gas at the protesters, who dispersed in different directions.
Clashes in Port Harcourt
In Port Harcourt, the police also clashed with protesters, firing tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. The protesters had gathered at Isaac Boro Park and were marching to the federal secretariat when the police intervened. A journalist from Channels TV was arrested during the protest but was later released.
Police Response
The police authorities in Abuja declined to comment on the protest. However, the Rivers State Police Command denied attacking the protesters with tear gas, describing media reports as false. The command claimed that the police engaged with criminals who took advantage of the protest to perpetrate evil.
In contrast to the clashes in Abuja and Port Harcourt, the protests in Lagos and Osun were peaceful. In Lagos, the protesters marched to the seat of government, Alausa, under the watchful eyes of security men. In Osun, the protesters converged on the popular Olaiya junction and marched through various streets to raise awareness about the Cybercrime Act.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, expressed support for the right of citizens to protest, acknowledging their grievances and the importance of free expression. However, he warned against any form of destruction to national infrastructure during the protests, emphasizing the need for peaceful demonstrations.
The protest against the Cybercrime Act and emergency rule in Rivers State highlights the growing concerns about authoritarianism and the need for peaceful demonstrations. While the protests in Abuja and Port Harcourt turned violent, those in Lagos and Osun remained peaceful, demonstrating the importance of respecting citizens' rights to express their grievances.
The Cybercrime Act has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many critics arguing that it infringes on citizens' rights to free expression. The Act has been used to arrest and prosecute individuals who are perceived to be critical of the government. The protest against the Act is a reflection of the growing concerns about the impact of the Act on democracy and human rights in Nigeria.
Civil society organizations have played a crucial role in organizing the protest against the Cybercrime Act and emergency rule in Rivers State. These organizations have been at the forefront of the fight for democracy and human rights in Nigeria, and their efforts have helped to raise awareness about the importance of respecting citizens' rights.
Conclusion
The protest against the Cybercrime Act and emergency rule in Rivers State is a reflection of the growing concerns about authoritarianism and the need for peaceful demonstrations. While the protests in Abuja and Port Harcourt turned violent, those in Lagos and Osun remained peaceful, demonstrating the importance of respecting citizens' rights to express their grievances. The government must take steps to address the concerns of citizens and ensure that their rights are respected.
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