A journalist was harassed by thugs while attempting to cover the #EndBadGovernance protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday. Reports indicate that a group of thugs stationed themselves directly opposite the Federal Secretariat, intimidating and chasing away both journalists and protesters.
Witnesses reported that before the correspondent’s arrival, two protesters had already been beaten while police officers stood by without intervening. The journalist was surrounded and threatened by the thugs, who declared they were there to ensure no protest would take place.
The Federal Secretariat on the Port Harcourt/Aba express road has been a focal point for protesters over the past seven days of the hunger and #EndBadGovernance protest. The inaction of over 20 police officers, who witnessed these events but did nothing, raises serious concerns about the security and protection of the right to protest in Rivers State.
When contacted, Rivers State Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu expressed concern over the incident, promising a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences. Commissioner Disu, who has visited the protest sites multiple times in the past days, has previously emphasized the professionalism of his officers, ensuring peace and orderliness among the protesters.
Disu had even offered light refreshments to the peaceful protesters in Port Harcourt as a gesture of appreciation for their peaceful and law-abiding conduct. However, the incident on Wednesday highlights the challenges and dangers faced by both protesters and journalists amid the ongoing nationwide protests, which have turned violent in some Northern states.
Wednesday marked the seventh day of the nationwide protest, which continues to draw attention to issues of governance and public dissatisfaction across Nigeria.