Rivers State Crisis: IGP Summons Leading Pro-Amaechi And Security Figures To Abuja, Isolating The Governor

Posted: July 17, 2013 - 

A major clampdown has begun on police officers close to Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and political office holders around him, a press statement just issued by the police in Abuja shows.

Signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, the statement says the "Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Rivers State Governor, Ag. ASP Debeware-Semeikumo, and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor, Tony Iwelu to report to Force CID, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”
They are to be interviewed “in respect of their roles as seen in the video clips in circulation," it added.
The statement did not specify the offenses committed by the three, neither did it summon the Assemblyman Evans Bipi who ignited the clashes by invading the House of Assembly with thugs in order to impose himself as the Speaker.
According to Mr. Mba, “It would be recalled that in the video clips, a man carrying a mace and another in police uniform as well as other security details were seen conducting themselves in a questionable and uncomplimentary manner. The invitation therefore seeks to obtain further details that will assist proper investigation into the matter.”
The invitation is particularly curious because the IGP has already set up a panel to investigate the situation in Rivers State.  The departure of the three men also isolates and exposes Governor Amaechi to danger.  His official protection has been considerably whittled down in the past week.
Full text of the Press Statement:
 In continuation of its investigation into the Rivers State House of Assembly crisis, the Nigeria Police Force has summoned the leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Chidi Lloyd, the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Rivers State Governor, Ag.ASP Debeware-Semeikumo, and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor, Tony Iwelu to report to Force CID, Force Headquarters, Abuja for an interview in respect of their roles as seen in the video clips in circulation.
 It would be recalled that in the video clips, a man carrying a mace and another in Police Uniform as well as other security details were seen conducting themselves in a questionable and uncomplimentary manner. The invitation therefore seeks to obtain further details that will assist proper investigation into the matter.
 Meanwhile, the IGP has reminded police personnel on various legitimate assignments, particularly those attached to VIPs to always remain mindful of their conduct and ensure that they uphold the professional ethics, traditions and best practices of the Force at all times. He further warns that any officer found acting in ways inconsistent with extant laws and regulations of the Force will be severely dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.
CSP FRANK E. MBA
DEPUTY FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA