The Rivers State Police Command has offered an explanation for the events surrounding the recent protest at the state’s House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, which involved an unexpected encounter with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The leadership explained that the acts conducted during the protest were “not deliberate” and that their main goal was to scatter protestors and protect the governor from any threats from anyone who could cause mayhem on the property.
The police made it clear in a statement released by Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state command, that they had obtained reliable information regarding the aim of an armed group to disturb the peace in Port Harcourt, especially at the State House of Assembly. An inquiry was in progress because of a prior arson incident at the Assembly. In response, armed police officers were sent in by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to stop the “hoodlums” and protect people and property within the Assembly building and its environs.
It became apparent at the complex’s entrance that a sizable contingent of young demonstrators had started a protest that might turn violent. In order to calm the situation, the police used water cannons and tear gas, two non-lethal crowd control techniques, to scatter the disruptive protestors.
Nevertheless, a second set of people moved up to the complex and into the grounds. In a similar vein, the police responded, but they were surprised to see Governor Siminalayi Fubara among them. Given the security threat intelligence, the police observed that the governor’s sudden appearance was unexpected because there had been no prior notification of his arrival at the scene, which is normally routine procedure to ensure his protection.
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As a result, the governor was safeguarded while the Deputy Commissioner of Operations evaluated the extent of the fire incident’s damage. The police emphasized that, contrary to what some media had said, they were not deliberately targeting the governor or attempting to cause harm to anyone, much less the state’s main executive and security officer. Making sure such dignitaries are protected is their main duty.
In an effort to defuse the situation, the Rivers State Police Command has also implemented security measures to bring peace to the impacted regions.
This explanation clarifies the incident’s facts and the police’s dedication to upholding safety and security even in unanticipated scenarios involving senior persons.
