A political crisis in Rivers State has escalated into violence and protests, with the police caught in the middle, struggling to maintain order.
The political turmoil in Rivers State continues to escalate, with protests and violence erupting over the disputed chairmanship of the local government council. Amidst the chaos, the police are caught in a “Catch-22” situation, struggling to maintain order while facing contradictory demands and limitations.
State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has taken the drastic measure of closing down the council secretariat building to prevent further violence. “We warned them of the implication they are trying to do, we never at anytime said don’t go on possession. Every possession might be hijacked which may cause breakdown of law and order,” he warned protesters.
Despite the police’s efforts, the crisis deepened on Tuesday when a male protester attempted to detonate a bomb at the presidential hotel, which exploded in his hands instead. The unidentified suspect was arrested in the hospital and is currently under investigation.
Samuel Nwanosike, the embattled council chairman, insists that his tenure is not over, citing a calculation of 5 months and 24 days remaining. However, Lawyer Maxwell Opera argues that the committee’s term has expired and the seat is now vacant, citing a court ruling. “The law is no longer subsisting as it is declared null and void, you’re not a governor until you take oath of office,” he emphasized.
As the crisis continues to unfold, the police are facing mounting pressure to maintain order and prevent further violence. CP Olatunji Disu’s decision to take over the local government from both warring factions has been commended by many, who see it as a necessary step to prevent the crisis from deteriorating further.
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The police commissioner, Tunji Disu, has been awarded the CP of the year at the maiden edition of the Nigeria police awards and commendation, which took place at the congress hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja and was well attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima; Godswill Akpabio, the senate president; Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president; Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano; Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Kano; and heads of security agencies.
