Confusion-and-Gridlock-in-Abuja-as-Police-Disrupt-Protest-Against-Emergency-Rule-in-Rivers-State

Confusion and Gridlock in Abuja as Police Disrupt Protest Against Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Dave Ikiedei Asei.                              April 7th, 2025

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, descended into confusion and chaos on Monday morning as security operatives mounted a heavy blockade around key areas of the city, particularly near the Eagles Square and Federal Secretariat. The move was aimed at thwarting a planned protest by concerned Nigerians against the controversial cybercrime law and a suspected attempt to impose emergency rule in Rivers State.

Security Agencies Block Access to Protest Venues

In a preemptive operation carried out before dawn, riot police and other security operatives stationed their vehicles strategically to block all routes leading to the Eagles Square and the Federal Secretariat complex. These areas, widely regarded as the administrative heart of Nigeria’s federal government, were designated as the primary venue for the planned demonstration.

Eyewitnesses and early commuters told journalists that the blockade was already in place before sunrise. Security personnel refused to allow access to anyone they suspected might be heading toward the protest ground, despite the fact that many government offices, including key ministries, are situated within the area.

Commuters and Civil Servants Stranded

The sudden and extensive road closures caught thousands of Abuja residents unaware, particularly civil servants who rely on the affected routes for their daily commute to work. Workers who typically access their offices through roads adjacent to Eagles Square found themselves stranded, turned back by armed police officers.

Many were forced to alight from commercial buses and continue their journey on foot. The situation was further compounded by the intense presence of security agents, who monitored and questioned passersby. Some civil servants, determined not to miss work, endured long walks under strict surveillance and high tension.

One office worker, who identified herself as Chinyere, recounted her experience. “They stopped our bus and told everyone to go back. When we tried to explain that we work in the Federal Secretariat, they said we should either return or walk through a checkpoint. I had to walk for nearly 30 minutes under the sun, just to get to my office,” she said.

Traffic Paralysis and Public Outrage

The blockade quickly triggered a major traffic crisis in the city. Motorists, unaware of the security operation, drove into gridlocks that stretched several kilometers. Roads leading into the central business district were jammed, and commercial vehicles could not proceed beyond certain points. As panic grew, passengers jostled to disembark from vehicles and flee the congested areas.

Reports indicate that commuters, traders, and tourists who were not directly involved in the protest were also affected. The resulting confusion led to anger among many residents, who questioned the rationale of locking down the capital city on a working day without prior notice or public advisory.

“This is unacceptable,” lamented a middle-aged man who was forced to abandon his car. “Even during national protests, they give notice and make alternative arrangements. How can you block the whole city just because people want to express their opinions?”

Silence from Security Agencies

Despite growing frustration and calls for explanation, the Nigerian Police Force has remained silent about the operation. Attempts by journalists to speak with senior police officers at the scene were rebuffed, with officers citing ‘orders from above’ as justification for the lockdown.

The lack of communication has fueled speculation that the blockade was not only meant to stop protests but also to send a strong message to political activists who have raised concerns over developments in Rivers State. The state has been embroiled in a deepening political crisis, and rumors of a planned emergency rule have sparked outrage among many Nigerians.

Backdrop of Political Tensions and Protest Plans

The protest, which security agencies were reportedly trying to prevent, was organized by civil society groups, pro-democracy activists, and concerned citizens. Their primary grievances include the controversial implementation of the new cybercrime law, which critics argue is being used to stifle freedom of expression, and the potential imposition of an emergency rule in Rivers State, a move many see as politically motivated.

Organizers of the protest had planned to converge at the Federal Secretariat before marching toward the National Assembly to register their disapproval. Flyers and social media posts had circulated widely over the weekend, calling on Nigerians to resist what they described as the “creeping descent into dictatorship.”

Sources within the protest movement said the government's use of security agencies to suppress lawful protests was a direct violation of constitutional rights. “What we are witnessing today is a democratic regression,” said one of the organizers. “We have a right to peaceful assembly, and yet the government uses armed force to silence dissent.”

Public Reaction and Concerns Over Democratic Rights

The events in Abuja have sparked national discourse on the state of civil liberties in Nigeria. Human rights organizations, opposition politicians, and online commentators have decried the government’s handling of the protest and the broader implications for democracy.

Femi Falana, a senior advocate and prominent human rights lawyer, condemned the roadblocks in a statement. “The use of state power to suppress peaceful protest is an affront to our constitution,” he said. “It shows a government more interested in silencing critics than addressing the genuine concerns of its citizens.”

Social media has been abuzz with images and videos showing the extent of the police operation, with hashtags like #SaveRiversState and #EndEmergencyRuleNow trending throughout the day. Citizens lamented not only the traffic chaos but also what many described as a brazen act of intimidation by the state.

Looking Ahead: Will Protests Continue?

While Monday’s events may have temporarily stalled the planned protests, it appears that public outrage is only beginning to swell. Organizers have vowed to reschedule and regroup, calling for a more coordinated mass action in the coming days. Some hinted at legal action against the police for unlawful disruption of civic activity.

Observers say that unless the federal government engages with the concerns being raised—particularly the growing fears surrounding political interference in Rivers State—the protests may evolve into a larger movement.

For now, Abuja remains tense. The blockade may have ended by evening, but the confusion it caused lingers as a reflection of deeper unrest brewing beneath the surface of Nigeria’s fragile democracy