Why we shot at Governor Fubara — Rivers police

The Rivers State Police Command has released a statement explaining the shooting that occurred during a protest at the State House of Assembly complex in Port Harcourt on Monday. The incident involved an attack on Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

According to the police, water cannons and tear gas were used to disperse the protesters and ensure the governor’s safety as they attempted to access the premises of the burnt-down Rivers State House of Assembly Complex. The shooting was not intentional, as stated by the spokesperson for the state’s police command, Grace Iringe-Koko.

In their statement, the police explained that they had received credible intelligence regarding plans to cause mayhem in Port Harcourt, particularly at the State House of Assembly. They also mentioned a previous arson case at the complex that was under investigation. As a result, armed police officers were deployed to intercept the “hoodlums” and safeguard lives and property at the facility.

At the entrance of the complex, it was observed that more than a hundred youths were protesting and attempting to gain access in a manner that could potentially disrupt the peace. Consequently, the police used non-lethal crowd control equipment such as tear gas and water cannons to disperse the unruly protesters.

However, another aggressive group of individuals approached the entrance of the complex and moved towards the premises. The police responded in a similar manner but were surprised to find Governor Siminalayi Fubara among them.

The police noted that there was no prior communication about the governor’s visit to the scene, which is the usual protocol for ensuring proper safety and security. To protect and ensure the governor’s safety, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations took immediate security measures while the governor and his entourage assessed the damage caused by the fire incident.

The police emphasized that their actions were not deliberate attacks on the governor or an attempt to harm anyone, including the Chief Executive and security officer of the state. Their primary responsibility is to protect and secure such individuals. The police clarified this in response to the misrepresentation in some sections of the media.

The statement concluded by assuring that the Rivers State Police Command has implemented adequate security measures to de-escalate the situation and restore calm in the affected areas.