The Nigeria Police Force, in
the light of emerging security challenges in parts of the country, especially
the unfolding saga in Rivers State, hereby warns all citizens against
constituting themselves into or being part of an unlawful assembly in any part of
the country. The Force has also observed with dismay, the attitudes of
some Nigerians who have chosen the nation’s Airports as points of congregating
their followers. These assemblies do not only constitute nuisance to the
Air Port environment but are also a threat to the security of both genuine
travelers and the Airport authority. Citizens are reminded that Airports
all over the world are regarded as “restricted areas” and as such are
traditionally shielded from unnecessary intrusion. The Force will not hesitate
from the date of this statement, to bring the full weight of extant laws on
persons found forming or being part of an unlawful assembly, especially riotous
assemblies.
The Force is very much aware
and not unmindful of the fundamental rights of citizens particularly their
rights to “freedom of expression” “peaceful assembly and association”,
“freedom of movement” among others as provided for in chapter 4 of
the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); and
is duty bound to respect and protect them. However, citizens are reminded
that these rights and freedom must be enjoyed within the bounds of the
law. Therefore, all assemblies must be peaceful, lawful and
must not be intentionally contrived to provoke or abridge the rights of other
citizens. The Force will not fold its arms and watch some persons or
group of persons tear-down the bond of the country’s unity. The Force
wishes to remind Nigerians that the laws on Unlawful and RiotousAssembly
as provided for in our Criminal and Penal Laws are still in Force.
The Force further cautions
against the unnecessary use of unguarded, inflammatory and provocative
statements capable of promoting hatred and disunity among Nigerians.
Citizens should at all times, in the exercise of their rights, be cautious of
the likely consequences of their actions and avoid acts inimical to the
well-being of the Nation.
The Nigeria Police Force has
a constitutional responsibility of ensuring not just the security of citizens,
but to promote the unity and indivisibility of our dear country. It will
therefore do all within its ability to ensure that the country remains secure,
peaceful and indivisible. Nigerians of all facets of life are advised to
close ranks and unite to sustain the nation’s nascent and growing
democracy. The Force enjoins citizens to shun all forms of violence and
unlawful acts, eschew bitterness, hatred and rancor and go about their
legitimate duties without fear of intimidation from any quarter.
The Police High Command uses
this medium to reassure Nigerians of the willingness of the Force to discharge
its constitutional and statutory responsibilities, but appeals for the
cooperation and understanding of the good people of Nigeria.
CSP FRANK E. MBA
DEPUTY FORCE PUBLIC
RELATIONS OFFIICER,
FOR: FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS
OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA
Tags
Politics
The CP is working nw in PH rt pls change that man pls 4 peace in PH IG
ReplyDeleteChange dat mbu,river people dnt need him in dis state.he does nt knw de work of an officer,hw did he get 2 dis pointigeria First Lady, Dame Patience Faka Jonathan
ReplyDeleteBy SaharaReporters, New York
For the first time today, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, gave an indication that she might be behind the crisis rocking Rivers State as she opened up on a plethora of grudges she is nursing against Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Mrs. Jonathan spoke in Abuja on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the Niger Delta geo-political zone. The bishops came from a variety of denominations.
A week and a half ago, the state’s political crisis degenerated into violence as law makers in the state engaged in a bloody fight using their fists and a gavel smuggled in by a group suspected to be working at the behest of First Lady Patience Jonathan.
In her speech, Mrs. Jonathan stated that the crisis in Rivers State started four years ago, and then she urged the visiting clergy to pray for the state.
“Rivers State issue is one thing I’ve committed to prayer because I believe there is nothing God cannot do,” she said. She then continued: “God restored me and I’ll do His work without the fear of man. The truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to pass and so Rivers issue is something we’ve handed over to God.’’
Mrs. Jonathan alleged that she had always mediated between the governor and other parties in a crisis that she said began four years ago. According to her, “This matter started as far back as four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika, but [that he should] dialogue first with the people.”
She added: “After that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika (local government) and sacked him for holding a reception in our honor. That boy was the first victim. He also put my people on curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sort of propaganda in the media against me. This is not the way.”
Mrs. Jonathan, who also hails from Rivers State, further told the clergy: “I’ve never spoken about this issue, but as men of God, I believe you’ll say the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests. Some will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.” In addition, she stated: “I also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
Seeming to adopt a conciliatory tone that is at odds with the violent method unleashed in Rivers State by political elements loyal to her, Mrs. Jonathan said she wanted to “appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.” Then she went biblical: “Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which we cannot see God.”
Mrs. Jonathan added: “Amaechi is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity. One day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not forever. This seat is vanity, others sat here and left so one day I’ll also leave and we will meet at home. So why should I fight him? Let’s take it easy, face issues, leave non-existent matters, stop magnifying lies and respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a chance.”
Prior to Mrs. Jonathan’s speech, the chairman of the leader of the Niger Delta Bishops Forum and leader of the clerical delegation, Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, announced that his group was “on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary.’’