Amaechi Raises Alarm Over Presence of Unknown Policemen In Govt. House

Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State has raised the alarm over the presence of Policemen not known to either him or officials of the Rivers State Government.

Gov. Amaechi in a statement signed by Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Seminatiri alleged that one Inspector Bawa yesterday reported to the Government House claiming to have been posted from the Police Headquarters Abuja to “monitor the Rivers State Governor’s lodge.”

The Governor noted that, ” we are aware that on issues of personal safety, an official reserves the right to pick the security personnel to whom he or she may entrust their safety. This is more so in the case of a State Governor.”

The Statement reads:
“The Rivers State Government notes with distress what is now an apparent attack on the person of Governor Chibuke Rotimi Amaechi. Yesterday two policemen, one of who is an Inspector Bawa, reported to the Rivers State Governor's Lodge at Justice Mohammed Bello Street, Asokoro, FCT Abuja.

They claimed to have been posted by Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to monitor the Rivers State Governor's Lodge.

“Earlier four intelligence officers had been posted to Government House, Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Police Command.  These postings were done without any notification or reference to Governor Amaechi.

“We are aware that on issues of personal safety, an official reserves the right to pick the security personnel to whom he or she may entrust their safety. This is more so in the case of a State Governor.

“The policemen this morning said that they had directives to remain at the gate of the Rivers State Governor's lodge.  Not only is the Rivers State Government uncertain of the true identity of these gentlemen, we are worried as to the true intent behind this latest posting. In recent times, events in Rivers State and especially around Governor Amaechi have been suggestive of deliberate nonchalance at best, and complicity at worst in the security breeches that have occurred.  This trend has continued despite a passionate appeal to the highest levels of authority.

“We are worried that we can no longer guarantee the safety of Governor Chibuike Amaechi and wish to reiterate our call on all relevant authorities to ensure the safety of Governor Amaechi and the peace and security of everyone in Rivers State.”