Rivers-Based Activist Slams Nigeria Police for "Unacceptable" and "Dangerous" Operations
Ann-Kio Briggs, a renowned environmentalist and human rights activist, has condemned the Nigeria Police Force for its "unacceptable" and "dangerous" operations in Rivers State. Briggs made these remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, expressing her concerns over the police’s handling of the recent local government elections in the state.
According to Briggs, the police have been cherry-picking court orders to obey, even after the election of 23 local government chairmen in the state. She also criticized the police for withdrawing officers from local council secretariats, despite warnings from Governor Siminalayi Fubara that some political actors were planning to perpetrate mayhem.
"We’ve been crying out since last October since this political madness started. The witch cried in the night and the child died in the morning and we are looking for the cause of the death? No. We know exactly what is going on," Briggs said. She added that the police’s actions were putting the newly elected local government chairmen in danger.
Briggs also took aim at President Bola Tinubu, who has been criticized for his inaction in addressing the crisis in Rivers State. According to Briggs, the people of the state have been calling on the President to intervene for over a year, but he has chosen to stay away.
"Now, that this has transpired, local governments are on fire, and the President is now calling on the governor of Rivers State, and I don’t know who else that is nameless that the President has refused to name, calling on them to make sure that the state is safe. The police is supposed to keep the state. This is dangerous and unacceptable to the people of Rivers State," Briggs emphasized.
The crisis in Rivers State has been ongoing for several months, with local government elections being a key point of contention. Briggs’ comments highlight the deep-seated concerns among residents of the state, who are calling for greater protection and accountability from the authorities.