Two previous rallies held by the group were disrupted: the first by the
police who fired into the crowd, injuring Senator Magnus Abe; and the second by
militants.
The Chief of Staff at Government House , Port Harcourt, Chief Tony
Okocha, confirmed yesterday that the rally would be peaceful as the police had
agreed to ensure maximum security.
Amaechi is expected at the rally and he vowed, as he did last week when
the last rally was disrupted that he was ready for the bullets of militants allegedly
hired to cause trouble.
The APC to which Amaechi belongs had, on Thursday, directed its members
in the National Assembly to block all proposals by the Presidency until the
rule of law is restored to the state.
Until now, only the rallies organised by the Grassroots Development
Initiative (GDI) were allowed and protected by the police in the state.
The GDI has as its grand patron, Chief Nyesom Wike, Supervisory Minister
of Education who is the arrowhead of the opposition to the governor.
It was learnt that following the recent development IGP Abubakar
directed CP Mbu to ensure protection for today’s rally.
The militants, who disrupted last Sunday’s rally at Bori, have
threatened to stike again today.
Governor Amaechi said through Okocha yesterday that there was no going
back on the rally.
He said: “Arrangements are in top gear. We have just been reliably
informed that the Rivers Commissioner of Police has directed the Area Commander
in Bori to provide adequate security for the rally in Bori.
“Governor Amaechi also called the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed
Abubakar.
“If the militants are still threatening to disrupt the rally, it is for
the police to fish them out. That is why they are in charge of security.
“If a particular area, as large as the Ogoni axis is, is characterised
by lawlessness, no governor will allow it. We are not cowards. We are ready to
take the militants’ bullets. The teeming supporters of the Governor Amaechi are
ready to receive the SRM leaders and members in Ogoni.
“Governor Amaechi has promised to lead the SRM rally in Bori. We are in
a civilised society. A leader must show good examples. Those who are saying the
Rivers governor must first hold the rescheduled rally at the Rivers State
College of Arts and Science, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, disrupted on January 12,
and not in Bori, which was prevented from holding on January 19, are missing
the point.
“Port Harcourt rally of the SRM was disrupted by the police, while
militants prevented that of Bori with sporadic gunshots. The governor must
prove that he is fully in charge, as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
Despite the police U-turn Okocha saidthe state government still does not
trust Mbu.
“ He is a politician. We informed the Rivers Commissioner of Police,
through the SRM’s lawyer, Barr. Ken Atsuwete, of the January 12 and 19 rallies,
for police protection, which could not be provided,” he said.
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Politics
IGP asking Mbu to provide security 4 d rally is not enough,Mbu must go we don't want him anymore,he is a tout nd a militant he is not a professional police officer,we want a police officer who will be professional enough to know peoples right nd not abuse it,an officer who knows d law that d people don't need police permit b4 holding a rally but only d governor's instruction to d police is recognised by d law nd that is what we want anytin short of that we will deal wit Jonathan thru d NASS which is legal nd not illegal
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Deleteu will end up dealing with yourself? U haven't dealth with Mbu, but it is the president u think u can deal with in ur dream, abi? Let's wait and see who will feel the pain most @ the end of the day
DeleteLet people accept the fact that Amaechi is a hero and also a material when it comes to politics even GEJ is aware of that.I like his courage and moral, the opposition can never pull him down even the president himself.
ReplyDeleteCommonsense is gradually taking the place of impunity in Rivers state, and this could be as a result of the threat by opposition APC to shoot down all government bills to the national assembly. See why opposition is good? At least, people are beginning to reason and behave decently now.
ReplyDeleteThanks to IGP,all the same Mbu should be transfered out of Rivers. Shouuld anything go wrong,The APC,will come out stronger.
ReplyDeleteThis is democracy in action,there's no difference between a government that has no strong opposition and that of anarchy.kudos to apc and rotimi amaechi,d poor masses are solidly behind you.
ReplyDeleteIt is apparent that Mbu has faild in his responsibility as a professional police officer and therefor should not only be transferred out of River state but should be sack. Jonathan should also understand that himself, Wike and patience Jonathan are not monopoly of violence and will meet their Waterloo very soon because he is a colossal failure to Nigeria and south south where he came from.
ReplyDeleteSo mbu must be directed to provide security for the rally. You can all see what is happening. Mbu is such a fool he must not end well as he has disgraced his professional duties. Ameachi you are doing well. God bless you.
ReplyDelete