Rivers Emergency Rule: IGP Issues Fresh Order As Police Join Forces with Military, Details Emerge

• IGP Kayode Egbetokun has directed the deployment of additional personnel and resources to Rivers state following the state of emergency declaration
• President Tinubu earlier declared a state of emergency in Rivers, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months
• The police, in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, have vowed to maintain order and protect lives and infrastructure in Rivers

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Following the declaration of a state of emergency, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional personnel and resources to Rivers state.

Legit.ng recalled that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state on Tuesday, March 18, citing escalating political unrest and security concerns.

The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months.

Read also

Emergency rule in Rivers: Nigerians in diaspora react, tell Tinubu what to do

The president nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as the sole administrator and charged him with the management of the state without enacting new laws.

Police, military join forces in Rivers state

The police have partnered with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, to bolster security, protect lives and property, and secure critical infrastructure in Rivers state.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, made this known in a statement signed on Thursday.

The Nigerian police, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, have vowed to maintain order and protect the infrastructure in Rivers state.

"In response, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional personnel and resources to Rivers State. This effort, undertaken in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, is intended to bolster security, protect lives and property, and secure critical infrastructure in the state," the statement read.

Read also

Tinubu reacts as National Assembly approves Fubara's suspension, Rivers emergency rule

Rivers emergency rule: Police warn against violence

Following the collaboration with the military, the Nigeria Police Force warned aggrieved individuals against promoting the idea of violence, rather, they should seek legal redress through the appropriate judicial channels.

"Consequently, any attempt to exploit the situation through unlawful gatherings, protests, or activities to disrupt public peace will be met with the full force of the law. Citizens are urged to remain law-abiding, comply with all legal directives, and continue their daily activities without fear," the Force noted.

Read more about the Rivers crisis here:

• Tinubu reacts as National Assembly approves Fubara's suspension, Rivers emergency rule
• Breaking: Senate takes final decision on Tinubu's suspension of Fubara, state of emergency in Rivers
• Reuben Abati calls for Tinubu's impeachment

Analyst condemns Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Dare Glintstone Akinniyi, spokesperson for the PDP National Youth Group, described President Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers as unconstitutional.

Read also

Rivers emergency rule: Atiku, El-Rufai, others tackle Tinubu, make 4 demands, full text emerges

Speaking exclusively with Legit.ng, Akinniyi warned that the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara would hinder development in Rivers.

The PDP youth leader called for the immediate reversal of the declaration and the dismissal of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng