Governor Nyesom Wike calmed a protesting crowd of commercial bus drivers today, over the unlawful killing of their colleague by a trigger-happy police man.
The governor addressed the angry crowd at the Ikwerre/Wimpy road junction, where the homicide occurred on Friday evening, during an argument between the policeman and the victim over a N100 bribe for an undisclosed offence.
The Rivers State Governor promised to bring the culprit to book saying “it is because I saw you gathered here, that’s why I stopped. I will not support a bad thing, I must find out the policeman that committed this murder and he must be brought to book. I advise you all not to take laws into your hands. I have called the Commissioner of Police and he must explain to me why one of his men would kill an innocent person. Please calm down”, he said.
The State Chief Executive maintained that burning old tyres at different spots on Ikwerre Road to show grievance, would not bring back the dead victim.
Governor Wike advised the crowd to disperse, saying that their presence may aggravate and escalate the already volatile situation.
See Press Statement By Rivers State below:
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the policeman who killed an innocent citizen in Port Harcourt yesterday will be brought to justice.
Addressing thousands of protesters at Mile 4 Market Junction on Saturday, Governor Wike said that the days of impunity are gone.
He told the protesters to leave the roads and allow normalcy to return to the suburb, saying that the unarmed person who was killed will not die in vain.
The governor was on scheduled inspection tour of projects when he ran into the protesters.
He said: “I have just placed a call to the Commissioner of Police and I am assuring you that the policeman who killed this unarmed citizen will face justice.
“Do not take the laws into your hands go home and allow me take the necessary action to ensure that justice is done “
The governor was accompanied by Senator Thompson Sekibo and his Chief of Staff, Mr Emeka Woke.
He noted that as a governor he will continue to work towards the protection of all residents of the state.
Governor Wike said that under his leadership law enforcement agents will not be allowed to terrorise innocent citizens.
Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant (Media ) to the Rivers State Governor.
