…warn ‘don’t plunge State into turmoil’
Police in Rivers on Sunday warned politicians in the state to seek lawful means to addressing grievances rather than engage in verbal attacks that can instigate violence.
The warning by the state police command followed recent verbal attacks between Governor Similanayi Fubara and his estranged godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The spat between Fubara and Wike has torn Rivers political stakeholders apart, setting them against one another.
Although Tunji Disu, the state Police Commissioner, Tunji Disu, refrained from directly mentioning the names of Wike and Fubara, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe Koko, quoted her boss as warning that the command would not fold its hands and watch the state erupt in crisis due to the utterances and actions of politicians.
The police in state also enjoined Rivers’ political class and members of the public to maintain peace at all times and abide by the laws of the land.
The Command spokesperson’s statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command is fully aware of the numerous political statements and sentiments that have been circulating within the state. In light of these developments, we would like to inform the general public and the esteemed people of Rivers State of the following:
“The Nigeria Police Force is the statutory and constitutional authority entrusted with the responsibilities of enforcing laws and orders, as well as protecting lives and properties, among others.
“The Rivers State Police Command, as an integral part of the Nigeria Police Force, is firmly committed to upholding and enforcing all laws and orders within the state.
“The Command will not stand idle and allow any individual or group to disrupt the existing peace in the state under any guise or pretext.
“The Rivers State Police Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any person or group of persons found to be in violation of the laws and orders of the state. Therefore, we implore members of the public to maintain peace and abide by the laws of the land. To those involved in the ongoing political unrest, we urge you to seek peaceful/lawful means to address your grievances.”
The PPRO assured that the command will not take sides and remain apolitical regarding the current political situation in Rivers State.