Police Clash with Protesters in Port Harcourt, Fires Teargas

Police officers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday morning, fired teargas at protesters from the ‘Take It Back Movement’ at Isaac Boro Park.

According to CHANNELS, the protesters, who began gathering at the venue by 9:00 a.m., were met with a heavy police presence. Despite warnings from the police, the activists insisted on their right to assemble, with one protester declaring, “Nobody can tell us where not to gather. We are Rivers people.”

The demonstration is part of a wider movement opposing political interference and alleged plans to impose emergency rule in Rivers State. Protesters listed their grievances, including the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“We are not here for violence,” one protester assured, adding that the peaceful protest aimed to express their concerns to the government. “As it is, we have no government. This government in Rivers State is alien to our people; it is unconstitutional. We are here to demand that our governor comes back to office and lead us appropriately. We have a social contract with the governor and not the sole administrator. This is democracy.”

However, the police responded to the protest with force, firing teargas to disperse the crowd. Some protesters and journalists were reportedly beaten by the police.

The incident has sparked widespread concern, with similar protests erupting in other states, including Lagos and Oyo, as demonstrators demand good governance and accountability from their leaders.

CHANNELS