The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has distanced itself from the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state that it is aiding and abeting the five sacked lawmakers to cause tension in the state House of Assembly.
In a press release signed by the state Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Odiko MacDon, and made public Friday, the command explained that it never laid a seige on the state assembly, but only took steps to avert a hitherto impending breakdown of law and order in the state.
The command insisted that it should be praised for its effort and not remonstrated against.
The release read in parts; “On Monday, 19th November, 2018, the seats of five (5) members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) were declared vacant by the leadership of the House, leading to tension in and around the State House of Assembly Complex. Consequent upon this, and to forestall a breakdown of Law and Order, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command took a proactive step by deploying personnel around the House of Assembly Complex. This measure went a long way to prevent the Assembly complex from being burnt or vandalized, and ensured that no life was lost.
“However, on Tuesday, the 27th of November, 2018, based on intelligence report of an impending further crisis, the Command in order to forestall breakdown of law and order, deployed personnel, 500 metres away from the Assembly and screened all those wanting to enter the Assembly complex. The essence of this was to ensure that hoodlums do not interfere with the proceedings at the Assembly whenever the House sits.
“It is apt to State that the Akwa Ibom State Police Command never at any point in time laid siege on the House of Assembly.”
The state police command charged the people to remain calm and Law abiding, assuring that it will continue to perform its constitutional duty of protecting lives and properties and the maintenance of law and order.
“We therefore appeal to all peace loving and responsible Akwa Ibomites to eschew the blame game and partner with the Nigeria Police, Akwa Ibom State Command and sister security agencies to make Akwa Ibom remain the most peaceful State in the country,” the police noted.
