The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, has in response to the unfolding events in Rivers State, set-up a high powered Investigation Panel headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Operations, DIG Philemon Leha, to scrupulously investigate all the circumstances surrounding the on-going impasse in the State particularly, as it relates to the actions and omissions of Police personnel that were physically on ground during the unfortunate fracas that occurred at the hallowed Chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The IGP assures that the Force will not spare anyone found to have fallen foul of the law, irrespective of placement and status, CSP Frank E. Mba, Deputy Force Public Relations Offiicer, said in a statement today.
The statement aslso said , “The Police High Command uses this medium and opportunity to remind the citizens of the State, irrespective of their ideological leaning, of the need to play by the rules. While the Force continues to do everything within its constitutional powers and means, to provide a safe, impartial and conducive atmosphere for legitimate social, political and economic activities to thrive in the State, it will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or acts amounting to threats to public safety and public order.
Also,the IGP advised citizens to seek civilized and decent means of resolving their differences, devoid of all forms of violence and confrontation. He reminded “the good people of Rivers State that the peace of the State is paramount to the well being and development of the State and that the Police Force needs the maximum cooperation and understanding of the people to optimally discharge its statutory responsibility.”
He reiterated that the success of Nigeria’s democracy depends on our collective efforts and contributions ,admonishing that “we must as a people, manage our differences to the advantage of our growing democracy for the good of all.”
“The Inspector-General of Police reassures the good people of Rivers State and the general public of the readiness of the Force to at all times ensure the security of the State and implores the citizens not to further heat-up the polity through hateful, inflammatory and unguarded statements/actions but to consciously work towards the enthronement of peace within the State” the statement said.
“Meanwhile, citizens are advised to continue to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation from any quarter”,Mba said.
