Updated: Drama at Eagle Square, minister shouted down, protesters defy police teargas

Updated: Drama at Eagle Square, minister shouted down, protesters defy police tear gas 

It was drama unlimited at Eagle Square Abuja on Thursday as  many #ENDBADGOVERNMENT protesters that gathered at public place insisted on staging a rally there despite attempts by police operatives to send them away by firing several cannisters of tear gas.

The protesters’ action was in defiance of a court order granted the previous day restricting the mass protest in Abuja to only the MKO National Stadium.

The protesters had stormed the Eagle Square, saying a few days ago a parallel protest had been held at the same place without any hindrance by the police.

The police operatives stationed at the place then in an attempt to make the area unconducive for the protesters shut canisters of tear gas in air and open spots.

But the protesters were not perturbed as they went on singing and displaying the national flag and placards.

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Later, Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande,  arrived at the Eagles Square and attempted to address the crowd.

As the minister tried to speak, the protesters continued to chant “hunger dey”, preventing him from talking.

However, after quelling the crowd, the minister said, “I’m not here to fight you, I’m not here to ask you not to protest. It is your right. Like I said, I’ve been to over 100-500 protests.”

Elsewhere in Abuja, protesters were also seen in high spirits at the MKO Stadium.

They were orderly and expressed their grievances via placards with different messages.

It was discovered that those stadium are advancing towards the Eagle Square to join others.

Security operatives had earlier unsuccessfully convinced them to move inside the stadium and not outside for the protest.