The Rivers State Police Command has issued a statement to clarify its presence at the House of Assembly quarters.
News About Nigeria reports that the command, in a statement released on the State police command’s official X account on Friday, assured that its deployment in the area is solely intended to maintain peace and prevent any potential disruptions.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command would like to provide clarity regarding recent reports about our presence at the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters. Our deployment in the area is solely intended to maintain peace and prevent any potential disruptions.”
The command urged the public to carry on with their lawful activities without fear, stating, “We want to assure the public that there is no need for alarm, and everyone is encouraged to carry on with their lawful activities without fear. Your cooperation is deeply valued as we strive to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.”
This clarification comes after a face-off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, which led to the deployment of policemen at the House of Assembly quarters located along Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
On Friday, policemen took over all entrances and exits to the House of Assembly quarters, with about 30 policemen safeguarding the first and second gates to the lawmakers’ estate, while about 25 patrol vans were used to block the other two entrances.
One of the entrances is adjacent to the Mobile Police Force 19 Division, while the other is beside the Port Harcourt office of the National Identification Management Agency.
The police took over the place shortly after the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule, accused Fubara of planning to demolish the legislative quarters. The governor had paid an unannounced visit to the facility on Thursday afternoon, explaining that he was there to access the place following the emergence of a new speaker.
“Is the Assembly quarters not part of my property? Is there anything wrong in going to check how things are going on there?
“You are aware of the developments. We have a new speaker, and I went there to see for myself how things are. There might be a few things I might want to do there for the good of our people,” the governor said.
