Rivers Crisis: Police Warn Politicians Against Violence

The Rivers State Police Command has warned politicians against involving in violence amid the current political crisis rocking the state.

The state Commissioner of Police CP Olatunji Disu in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko on Sunday, warned politicians to rather seek lawful means of addressing their political differences rather than resort to physical attacks of opponents.

Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Barr. Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja, have since been at loggerheads over the political control of the state.

The skirmishes between the two political leaders had resulted in verbal exchanges, prompting their followers to threaten their political rivals in the state.

The CP warned that the Command will not stand idle and allow any individual or group disrupt the existing peace in the state under any guise or pretext.

Disu said, “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 CP assured that the command would continue to remain neutral in the political developments while conducting its statutory duties in the state.

“Be rest assured that the command remains neutral and apolitical in all matters pertaining to the current political situation.

“Thank you for your attention, and we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining peace and order in Rivers State.”