Rivers State Government Accuses Nigeria Police of Lopsided Service

In a strongly worded statement, the Rivers State government has criticized the Nigeria Police for alleged uneven performance in its constitutional duties to protect lives and property in the state. The accusation follows a clash between supporters of Martins Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the state House of Assembly, and those of the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at a health center in Obio/Akpor local government area.

According to the state Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, it is unacceptable for security personnel to put citizens’ lives in danger. Johnson alleged that police opened fire at canisters of teargas at a health facility in Eliozu, causing panic. He also expressed disappointment that the police have not made any arrests despite several instances of alleged threats to the state Governor’s life.

Johnson condemned the police’s decision to detonate teargas at a health center, where patients with various health conditions, including pregnant women and babies, were present. He claimed that the police’s actions indicate their bias against the state government.

The commissioner also pointed out that the police have been locking down 23 local government councils in the state and have yet to make any progress in investigating instances of dynamite detonation by supporters of Amaewhule. He accused the police of being partial and claimed that their actions are beginning to show a pattern of bias.

The Rivers State government’s statement highlights the tensions between the government and the police in the state. The dispute is a reminder of the challenges faced by governments in balancing their duties with the need to protect citizens’ rights and ensure public safety.