By: Emmanuel Nlewedum
As Nigeria prepare for Saturday June 12 Democracy Day celebration, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday has warned youths in Rivers to shun any form of violence.
CP Friday made the call at a security meeting with stakeholders, NBA, youth leaders, human rights groups and Civil Society Organisations in Port Harcourt yesterday.
The CP who disclosed that the command has received intelligence that some hoodlums plan to hijack the Democracy Day celebration to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the state, issued a stern warning to miscreants who plan to cause chaos and destabilize the peace and security of the state on Saturday.
He assured residents of the Command’s resolve to provision of adequate security during and after the celebration.
“We all know what June 12 means to Nigerians. You know the genesis of June 12 until it has now been declared a public holiday by government to do our democracy day.
“It will be a day of celebration so to say but we are having the feelers that some miscreants want to make trouble out of that day.
“The miscreants want to hijack any activity you want to put up. That is why I found it necessary to invite stakeholders and youths of Rivers state to come together with us to rob minds so that we avert such development and ensure that the state remains peaceful.
“Am appealing to all of you and those who are not here that 12 June should be kept holy. I want to call on everybody in this state go about their lawful business and ensure that nobody’s right is violated.
“Rivers State has been calm for sometime compared to other South South states and we know it is your freedom to hold rallies but I want you to be well coordinated and if possible you can put it off and celebrate in our homes.
“We will not allow external forces to come and jopardize the peace and security of this state.
“We have also resolved to provide security to all parts of the state that people may go to get fun in the name of the celebration”, he said.
