Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Police in Ebonyi State says it has uncovered plots by some political parties and groups to stage a protest in the state on May 29 during the inauguration of governor-elect, Francis Nwifuru.
It therefore warned aggrieved political parties and their supporters in the state against engaging in actions that may lead to a breach of public peace ahead of the May 29 inauguration.
Spokesperson of the Police in the state, Onome Onovwakpoyeya stated this on Monday.
She warned that police will deal decisively with any person(s) or group of persons that violate this order or deliberately cause the breakdown of law and order during the forthcoming inauguration.
She said: “The Command wishes to notify the general public that all forms of protest before, during, and after the May 29th 2023 inauguration by any aggrieved party or supporters of the just concluded gubernatorial, national, and state House of Assembly elections will not be tolerated.
“This is against the backdrop of an intelligence report that some persons or groups of persons are planning to protest, thereby causing insecurity in the state.
“Aggrieved persons or groups of persons should have confidence in the court, and as such, they should wait for the outcome of the tribunal verdict on the cases already in court.
“The Command will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person(s) or group of persons who violate this order or deliberately cause the breakdown of law and order in whatever manner or form.
“Those culpable will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law, as police officers have been deployed strategically and directed to ensure full enforcement.”
The Police spokesperson also enjoined members of the public to be law-abiding, shun all forms of violence, and cooperate with security agencies, as measures have been put in place to protect the lives and property of the citizens.
She further reassured the citizens of the state of a continuous commitment to discharge its duties professionally in consonance with constitutional provisions and other extant laws.