‘We’re only protecting lives and property in Rivers,’ Police say

monjola sotubo

August 17, 2016 1:44 PM

The police were earlier reported to have sealed off the venue due to a court judgment which halted the convention.

Police officers seal off venue of PDP convention in Rivers State

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“I did not seal off the convention venue. I was only providing security. I was only obeying a court order. It is not my duty to interpret court order,” Rivers State Police Commissioner, Francis Odesanya said, according to Punch.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the force, Donald Amunah has also defended the action.

“The Police is an institution established by law and we obey the court orders and rule of law. In an event of conflicting court orders, what do you do? We are neutral,” Amunah said while appearing on Channels TV today, August 17, 2016.

“The IG has been served court orders in Abuja and so we have to obey the orders. If this court order has to be obeyed, what do we do about the venue? We take control of the venue to avoid two worrying parties conflicting, to protect lives and properties.

“In the interim, the Police will ensue that everyone is protected. So that people do not go to the venue of the convention and start fighting. We are not following one side. If there is conflict, you stand in the middle and ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.

“When two parties have court orders, they will both want to implement their own motives and decision. The Police will do the essential, that is, protect lives and properties. It's not about obeying court A or B," he added.

ALSO READ: We don’t know which court judgment to obey on PDP Convention – INEC

Another court had earlier issued an order permitting the convention to hold.

The PDP has been in crisis since May 21 when it attempted to remove Ali Modu Sheriff as chairman.

monjola sotubo