The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has set-up a high-powered Investigation Panel, headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Operations, Philemon Leha, to probe the ongoing political impasse in Rivers State.
The panel will also investigate the roles of police personnel that were physically on the ground during the fracas that occurred in the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
Abubakar said the Force would not spare anyone found to have fallen foul of the law, irrespective of their position and status.
A statement by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, on behalf of the IG in Abuja on Thursday reminded the citizens of the state, irrespective of their ideological leaning, of the need to play by the rules.
"While the Force continues to do everything within its constitutional powers and means, to provide a safe, impartial and conducive atmosphere for legitimate social, political and economic activities to thrive in the state, it will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or acts amounting to threats to public safety and public order," Abubakar said.
The IG advised the citizens to seek civilised and decent means of resolving their differences, devoid of violence and confrontation, noting that peace was paramount to the well-being and development of the state.
He added that the police needed the cooperation and understanding of the people to optimally discharge their statutory responsibilities.
The statement said, "The IGP assures that the Force will not spare anyone found to have fallen foul of the law, irrespective of their placement and status. The IGP wishes to reiterate that the success of our democracy depends on our collective efforts and contributions. He notes that we must as a people, manage our differences to the advantage of our growing democracy for the good of all."
Abubakar urged the citizens not to further heat up the polity through hateful, inflammatory and unguarded statements and actions.
The Punch
They should all stop the probe once and for all and start taking actions to help situations....Let's stop beating about the bush.