The protests that broke out across the country asking for the dissolution for the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force has now entered its sixth day. Continue reading for some of the major highlights from the day.
1. Security forces won’t stop attacking Abuja protesters
In the nation’s capital, security forces came out again to physically harass protesters. Videos circulated on socials show security agents attacking peaceful protesters.
Did these blatant acts of intimidation stop the protests from happening? Absolutely not! The people’s voice wouldn’t be silenced.
2. Port Harcourt turned out massively and peacefully
Last night, the office of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, tweeted that all forms of protests in the state had been banned.
This cast a shadow of uncertainty on how peaceful the protests would be, and for very good reasons. Earlier on Tuesday, officers of the Nigerian Police Force had opened fire on protesters at Surulere, Lagos, killing at least one person and injuring others.
However, the people of Port Harcourt turned out in great numbers and put in a good shift. And if the media shared on Twitter proved anything, the protests were as peaceful as they could get.
3. Protesters at Asaba rejected money from the state governor
4. CBN allegedly clamps down on Flutterwave
Last week, the CEO of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, tweeted support for the #EndSARs movement and announced that the company had set up a link for anyone willing to donate money to fund the protests.
News broke out earlier today that the Central Bank of Nigeria allegedly summoned the company, asking them to prove that the funds for the protests weren’t from terrorists. And under pressure, the company shut down the donation link.
Of course, Nigerians trooped online to show their support for the company.
However, it seems everything was a misunderstanding. There will be more information in the coming hours.
5. There is a new “Sheriff” in town
The Inspector-General of Police has announced the creation of a new police unit — SWAT — to fill the holes left by the recently “dissolved” SARS.
In a statement released by the police, members of the new unit will start training next week and will also “undergo a psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility.”
However, majority of Nigerians are taking this with a pinch of salt.
We hope you’ve learned a thing or two about how to unfuck yourself when the Nigerian government moves mad. Check back every weekday for more Zikoko Citizen explainers.
