Why We Stopped Pro-Jonathan Rally, by Police

Source: pointblanknews.com

Why We Stopped Pro-Jonathan Rally, by Police
Bayelsa State police command has explained why it banned a pro- President Goodluck Jonathan rally, saying the proposed rally could have breached public peace and security.

A group, New Dawn Initiative Development, had planned to hold a rally reportedly to urge President Jonathan publicly declare his intention to run next year.

However, a statement by the state police command said it directed the group to reschedule its rally to avert a breakdown of law and order.

The statement was signed on behalf of the state commissioner of police by Alex Akhigbe, Police Public Relations Officer for Bayelsa State command.

“Bayelsa state Police command has directed the members of the group known as New Dawn Initiative Development to reschedule their rally billed take place at Opolo Secondary School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State today 19/04/2014 at 1pm,” the statement said.

“This was premised on available intelligence to the command that a splinter group

had perfected plans to attack and disrupt the rally which could lead to breach of peace,” the command stated.

It stressed that the dire situation was worsened by “the fact that the Police did observe the actual gathering of the mob at the venue.”

“The Police Command hereby uses this medium to advise the good people of Bayelsa state and in particular political groups to always make efforts to settle their internal differences before requesting for Police permits for rallies,” the police added.