The Police Command in Rivers State has explained why it deployed about 30 armed policemen and armoured personnel carriers(APCs) to the residential quarters of members of the state House of Assembly in Port Harcourt.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deployment has heightened political tension in the state, amidst face-off between Friday, May 10, sacked 27 pro-Wike lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The factional Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, has alleged that the governor was plotting to demolish the houses, a claim dismissed by Fubara.
The governor had visited the residential quarters on Wednesday, May 8, during which he told journalists that he was there for an on-the-spot assessment of the condition of the houses for possible rehabilitation.
The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the state APC, Chief Okocha, latetly urged the lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings against the governor, after Fubara described as “not constitutional” the peace deal he entered into with his estranged predecessor in office and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The Police Command, however, said that the deployment of personnel to the assembly quarters was for the purpose of upholding peace, not partisan interest.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command spokesperson, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday, May 11, said that the recent political developments in Rivers prompted the deployment.
“Our deployment in the area is solely aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any possible breakdown of order.
“We assure the public that there is no cause for alarm and all individuals are encouraged to carry on with their lawful activities without fear.
“Cooperation from the public is greatly appreciated as the police command strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for all,” SP Iringe-Koko stated.
