Police ban political rallies in Rivers

In a statement in Port Harcourt, police command spokesman Ahmad K. Muhammad said all public activities involving rallies “under any coloration or name” would not be allowed to take place.“The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that as a result of increasing political tension in the state, the Commissioner of […]

In a statement in Port Harcourt, police command spokesman Ahmad K. Muhammad said all public activities involving rallies “under any coloration or name” would not be allowed to take place.
“The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that as a result of increasing political tension in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, has banned all political rallies in the state under whatever coloration or name,” the statement said.
“Accordingly, all public activities involving rallies of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Save Rivers Movement (SRM), Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation (RIVLEAF) and whatever other names, are hereby banned.
“Rivers State Police Command will not, I repeat, will not provide security for any group in whatever guise. Party membership drive is allowed strictly as stipulated in Electoral Act 2010 as amended and INEC regulations, please.”
The police ban on rallies came in the wake of several clashes between them and supporters of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
The command came under criticism for alleged bias by allowing the Nyesom Wike-backed GDI to hold rallies while stopping the groups supporting Amaechi.