The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained the circumstances surrounding the allegation by Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi that the Police denied him access to his residence at the Rivers State Government House.
In a release signed by National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party accused the governor of inciting the public against the Federal Government and Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu, because the real matter was about blocking access to an illegal secretariat opened in the name of PDP rather than denying the governor access to his residence.
“Of particular concern is the manipulation of the media by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Chibuike Amaechi to mislead Nigerians and create an impression that he was barred by the police and the Federal Government from entering the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt,” Metuh wrote in the statement.
He described Ameachi’s “distortion of facts” as totally unacceptable and unbefitting of a state governor.
“It is indeed condemnable that Governor Amaechi has continued to distort facts and interfere in the lawful activities of the Police and security operatives ensuring law and order in Rivers State only to manipulate the media and portray himself as the victim.
“Amaechi was fully aware that based on the ruling of the courts, the Police had sealed off a secretariat illegally opened by some individuals under the name, flag and colour of the PDP, consequent upon which the route leading to the structure and the Government house was also closed.”
According to Metuh, Ameachi defied the closure order by deliberately deciding to enter the Government House with “unauthorised persons” through the same route with the intention of beating security to access the sealed secretariat.
“Governor Amaechi cannot feign ignorance of the fact that the route was closed, as he must have been fully informed by his security details, otherwise he is running an incompetent government that cannot guarantee the safety and welfare of his state,” Metuh added.
“Governor Amaechi must understand that the Nigeria Police is a sacred institution which should not in any way be dragged into politics. In the same vein, he must understand that facts are sacred and should not be distorted under any guise.”
