Police Ban Rallies, Processions, Protests In Bayelsa

Bayelsa-Decides

The Nigeria Police Force has banned any form of procession, rally, protest or demonstration throughout Bayelsa State.

A statement by Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu, on Monday morning, said intelligence at the disposal of the police pointed to the fact that “some disgruntled elements” were planning to foment trouble in the form of illegal rallies.

The DIG, therefore, warned the perpetrators to rethink their plans, saying the police was battle-ready to deal decisively with violators of the directive.

The statement was made available to journalists at the INEC collation centre in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The warning by the police was apparently to forestall any likely protests that may trail the announcement of governorship elections in the outstanding two local government areas of Bayelsa State.

Results from six of eight local governments have been announced while Nembe and Southern Ijaw are still being awaited.

As at the time of publishing this report, incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party is leading his main challenger, Timipre Sylva of All Progressives Congress.