The Ebonyi State Police Command has issued a warning to political parties and their supporters in the state against any form of protest or disruption of public peace as May 29 draws closer. The occasion marks the inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of Nigeria and Francis Nwifuru as Governor of Ebonyi State.
In a statement released by the Commissioner of Police, Faleye Olaleye, the police force intends to deal decisively with any individual or group of persons that violates this order or deliberately causes the breakdown of law and order during the inauguration. The statement, which was made available to the press in Abakaliki, was signed by police spokesperson, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya.
According to the statement, the police force has received intelligence reports that some individuals or groups of individuals are planning on protesting during the inauguration, thereby posing a threat to the security situation in the state. As such, all forms of protests before, during, and after the May 29th 2023 inauguration by any aggrieved party or supporters of the just concluded gubernatorial, national, and state House of Assembly elections will not be tolerated.
Olaleye encouraged individuals or groups who feel aggrieved to have confidence in the court and to wait for the outcome of the tribunal verdicts on the cases that are currently before them. He also assured members of the public of the police force’s continuous commitment to carry out their duties professionally in line with constitutional provisions and other extant laws.
As the state gears up for the inauguration, the police force has deployed officers strategically to maintain law and order. Citizens are enjoined to be law-abiding, cooperate with the security agencies, and shun all forms of violence, as measures have been put in place to protect lives and property.
In light of this development, it is imperative for individuals and groups to exercise restraint and avoid any act capable of causing a breach of the peace.
