11th July, 2013
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has set-up a high powered Investigation Panel headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Operations, DIG Philemon Leha, to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the crisis in Rivers State, Southsouth Nigeria.
According to a statement by CSP Frank Mba, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, the panel would investigate 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. 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.”
Mba added that the poice boss has strongly advised citizens to seek civilized and decent means of resolving their differences, devoid of all forms of violence and confrontation, adding that the people of Rivers State should be reminded that the peace of the tate is paramount to the wellbeing 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.
“The Inspector-General of Police wishes to reiterate that the success of our democracy depends on our collective efforts and contributions. He notes 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. Meanwhile, citizens are advised to continue to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation from any quarters,” Mba said.