Economy
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Protesters Lay Siege To Wike’s Mansion in Rivers
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#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Protesters lay siege to Wike’s mansion in Rivers
By Aremu Adebayo, Chioma Ifeanyi
Tensions escalated in Port Harcourt on Tuesday as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests enter the sixth day.
Protesters besieged a mansion in Ada George, Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State owned by Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The mansion was targeted by over 50 protesters.
The group marched from Agip Junction and gathered in front of Wike’s house, singing the old national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” and chanting against the minister.
Armed police formed a barrier to keep the protesters at a distance and prevented them from approaching the mansion. The protesters, who carried leaves and rained curses on Wike, were blocked from getting close to the property by an Armoured Personnel Carrier stationed nearby.
After about 49 minutes, the protesters dispersed and continued their march and anti-government chants. They also caused a stir when they passed Hyper City Mall, which belongs to Wike, but were met with a heavy police presence.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed that no property belonging to Wike was attacked. She stated, “The protesters only marched past the building. The police ensured they remained on the other side of the road and did not confront them.”
