By Dare Akogun
Residents of Rivers State have lauded the Police Command for its professionalism, neutrality, and proactive measures amidst escalating political tensions.
The commendations followed the police’s strategic takeover of the 23 Local Council Secretariat on Tuesday night, aimed at averting a breakdown of law and order.
This intervention came as the power struggle between incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), intensified.
Tragically, the conflict has already claimed two lives: Police Inspector David Mgbada and vigilante member Samuel Nwigwe, during clashes at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA.
The violence erupted over disputes regarding the tenure of the elected officials of the 23 local governments.
Governor Fubara’s recent announcement terminating the tenures of the council chairmen, and his directive for Administrative Heads to assume control pending new elections, sparked protests.
These actions clashed with a law passed by the Martins Amawule-led State House of Assembly, which extended the chairmen’s terms by six months.
Complicating matters further, a Court of Appeal order called for maintaining the status quo pending the resolution of ongoing legal challenges.
Anticipating potential anarchy, Commissioner of Police (CP) Olatunji Disu reinforced security, deploying operatives across all 23 LGAs to maintain order.
While some segments of the public criticized this as political meddling, many Rivers residents supported the police’s actions, viewing them as necessary to prevent chaos.
Saviour Nebari, an Ogoni community leader, emphasized the importance of avoiding a repeat of the 2013 crisis involving Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike, which severely impacted the state.
Prince Wiro Junior, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, also praised the police’s professional handling of the crisis, noting their crucial role in averting bloodshed.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Grace Iringe-Koko defended the command’s actions, stressing their commitment to neutrality and public safety.
She reiterated the police’s duty to prevent violence and called on politicians to keep security operatives out of their disputes.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IG) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun condemned the recent violence and ordered an investigation into the killings.
A statement yesterday by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IG directed investigation into the general violence which erupted in the state.
“The IGP has specifically deployed operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to assist the Rivers State Command in apprehending the killers of the police officer and the vigilante member.
“The IGP seriously warns individuals and groups of people who have a penchant for senseless attacks and mindless killings of police officers and other security operatives across the country to desist forthwith as the fullest force of the law will be meted on them.
“The CP has also been directed to focus on increased patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced intelligence operations to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents.
“The IGP extends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased police officer and the vigilante member noting that their dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be taken for granted.
“The Inspector General of Police calls on all residents and political stakeholders in the State to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means of resolving differences,” he said.
