Police Summon NDC President Over Planned Protest In Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the invitation of the president of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC), Mr Nubari Saatah.

Reports on social media had it that the NDC leader was arrested on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, over plots to organise protests in the Niger Delta region against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

However, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, said Saatah was invited for questioning at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

Iringe-Koko stated that the NDC President was released and permitted to leave after the questioning.

The statement reads in part: “The Rivers State Police Command hereby confirms that Mr Nubari Saatah, president of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC), was invited for questioning at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

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“This invitation became necessary due to the NDC’s persistent and emphatic calls for public protests within Rivers State. As part of its responsibility to ensure public safety, the police sought clarification on the nature and objectives of these planned demonstrations.

“While the command recognises and upholds the fundamental right to peaceful assembly, it remains vigilant to the potential security risks that could arise from such gatherings.

“Public protests, if not properly managed, can escalate into unrest, creating opportunities for mischief-makers or individuals with ulterior motives to instigate violence, disrupt public order, and endanger lives and property. In such instances, the organisers would be held accountable for any breakdown of law and order.

“Following his questioning, Mr Saatah was released and permitted to leave.

“The Rivers State Police Command urges all residents and stakeholders in the state to continue to uphold peace and stability, recognising that security is in the best interest of all. The command remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring strict enforcement of law and order.

“Furthermore, the Command reiterates that any individual or group found engaging in activities capable of disrupting public peace will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Members of the public are, therefore, strongly advised to refrain from any actions that could undermine the prevailing peace in the state.”