Owing to political tension gradually building up in Rivers ahead of the 2015 elections, the state Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, has banned political rallies under any guise across the state.
There has been clash between different political groups with the men and officers of the Rivers Police Command of late.
Consequently, Mbu also prohibited the activities of groups like Save Rivers Movement, Grassroots Development Initiative and the Rivers Advancement Foundation.
He warned that should any group act contrary, security cover would not eb provided for such rally.
On the scheduled membership registration by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mbu said it must be done within the confine of the provisions of the electoral Act and regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Ahmad Mohammed reads, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that as a result of increasing political tension in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, has banned all political rallies in the State under whatever coloration or name.
“Accordingly, all public activities involving rallies of Grassroots Development Initiative, Save Rivers Movement, Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation and whatever other names, are hereby banned.
“Rivers State Police Command will not; I repeat; will not provide security for any group in whatever guise.
“Party membership drive is allowed strictly as stipulated in Electoral Act 2010 as amended and INEC regulations, please”.
