Protest Erupts in Rivers as Crisis Deepens, Airport Blocked

By Iyojo Ameh

Women from the IPO community in Rivers State have staged a blockade at Port Harcourt airport, leading to significant disruptions and leaving passengers stranded amidst the state’s escalating political tensions.

As of Tuesday morning, the women were actively preventing vehicles from entering the airport, causing a long queue of cars carrying passengers.

Some of the women were seen at the entrance with cooking utensils, firewood, and ingredients, engaging in food preparation activities.

While the women had not communicated with the media at the time of this report, they were heard engaging in loud discussions among themselves.

Earlier, the Rivers State Police Command had issued a warning regarding a planned protest by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated, “The Rivers State Police Command has been informed about the scheduled protest by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) on June 24, 2024.

While we respect the right to peaceful assembly, we have credible information suggesting potential infiltration by troublemakers aiming to cause disruption and chaos within the state.”

She added, “Therefore, we strongly advise organizers to postpone the protest to prevent any potential breach of peace. The police will take all necessary lawful actions to safeguard lives and property in Rivers State. Any individual or group attempting to disrupt peace will be apprehended and prosecuted.”

In response to the security concerns raised by the police, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has deployed officers to the headquarters of all 23 Local Government Areas in the state. “These officers will remain stationed there until the threat to peace is deemed to have subsided,” the statement concluded.

Following the police advisory, NULGE subsequently called off their planned protest.