InSide Rivers State: Police ban political rallies in Rivers State

PORT HARCOURT — Rivers State Commissioner of Police,  Mr. Joseph Mbu, yesterday, banned all forms of political rallies in the state.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Ahmad Muhamaad, said the Police took the decision because of alleged increasing political tension in the state.

He said: “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that as a result of increasing political tension in the state, the state Commissioner of Police has banned all political rallies in the state under whatever coloration or name.

“Accordingly, all public activities involving rallies of Grassroots Development Initiative, GDI; Save Rivers Movement, SRM;  Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation, RIVLEAF and whatever other names, are hereby banned. Rivers State Police Command will not provide security for any group in whatever guise. “

Meantime, the Police said the various political parties in the state were free to pursue their membership drive in line with the Electoral Act.

“Party membership drive is allowed strictly as stipulated in Electoral Act 2010 as amended and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, regulations, please,” he added.

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/02/police-ban-political-rallies-rivers-state/#sthash.iS3DVk6M.dpuf