Tensions rose in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Tuesday as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests continued for a sixth consecutive day. Protesters converged on a mansion in Ada George, situated in the Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area, belonging to Nyesom Wike, a former governor and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The residence was the focus of more than 50 protesters. They marched from Agip Junction and assembled in front of Wike’s mansion, chanting the old national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Heavily armed police officers formed a barrier to keep the protesters at bay, preventing them from nearing the mansion.
The protesters were stopped from approaching the property by an Armored Personnel Carrier stationed nearby. After roughly 49 minutes, the protesters dispersed and continued their march.
The group also attracted attention when they passed Hyper City Mall, another property owned by Wike, but they were met with a substantial police presence.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed that no property owned by Wike was damaged. She said, “The protesters merely marched past the building. The police ensured they stayed on the opposite side of the road and did not confront them.”
