Rivers Crisis: Police Warn Politicians Not To Incite Violence

The Rivers State Police Command has warned politicians not to resort to violence amid the state’s ongoing political crisis.

On Sunday, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, issued a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, warning politicians to seek legal solutions to their political differences rather than resorting to physical attacks on their opponents.

You may be aware that Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Barr. Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja, has been at odds over political control of the state.

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

The CP warned that the Command will not stand idle while any individual or group disrupts the state’s existing peace under any guise or pretext.

Disu stated, “The Nigeria Police Force is the statutory and constitutional authority tasked with enforcing laws and orders, as well as protecting lives and property, among other things.

“The Rivers State Police Command, as an integral part of the Nigeria Police Force, is dedicated to upholding and enforcing all state laws and orders.

“The Command will not stand idly by and will not allow any individual or group to disrupt the state’s existing peace under any pretext whatsoever.

“The Rivers State Police Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or group of individuals who are found to violate state laws and orders.

“As a result, we implore the public to keep the peace and obey the laws of the land. To those involved in the ongoing political unrest, we urge you to seek peaceful/legal resolution to your grievances.

The CP assured that the command would remain neutral in political developments while performing its statutory duties in the state.

“Be assured that the command will remain neutral and apolitical in all matters concerning the current political situation.”

“Thank you for your time, and we appreciate your assistance in keeping peace and order in Rivers State.”