In what is being touted as a systematic clampdown on loyalists and the remaining security details of embattled Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi who is believed to persecuted by President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar has summoned Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Honourable Chidi Lloyd; the governor’s Chief Security Officer, Tony Iwelu; and his Aide-De-Camp (ADC), Ag.ASP Debeware-Semeikumo.
This is coming just hours after the Rivers State Police Command declared Hon. Lloyd wanted for attempted murder of his colleague and pro-Jonathan lawmaker during the brawl that engulfed the State House of Assembly last week.
The Police authority did not say anything about Evans Bipi, who began the fracas that day and even confirmed, on a recorded video, how he strategised on entering the chamber and beat up the majority leader, who in turn took revenge on another alleged renegade. Bipi, who called Mrs. Jonathan his “Jesus Christ on earth” and said he could die for her, was also seen in another video trying to disarm a policeman. The video recording showed that he brought the thugs who successfully chased out the 27 supporters of the governor. The police authority had withdrawn most of the policemen within the Rivers Government House. Soldiers previously on duty in the House were also withdrawn.
The IG did not also make any pronouncement concerning Commissioner of Police in the State, Joseph Mbu, whose actions have given the Police, the government and the entire country a bad name resulting in the mass clamour for his redeployment or outright removal from the Force.
In a police release titled: RIVERS STATE CRISIS: IGP SUMMONS LEADER OF THE HOUSE, ADC AND THE CSO, with reference number CZ:5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/, and dated 17th July 2013, the IGP said: “in continuation of its investigation into the Rivers State House of Assembly crisis, the Nigeria Police Force has summoned the Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Chidi Lloyd; the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Rivers State Governor; Ag.ASP Debeware-Semeikumo; and Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor, Tony Iwelu to report to Force CID, Force Headquarters, Abuja for an interview in respect of their roles as seen in the video clips in circulation.
“It would be recalled that in the video clips, a man carrying a mace and another in Police uniform as well as other security details, were seen conducting themselves in a questionable and uncomplimentary manner. The invitation therefore seeks to obtain further details that will assist proper investigation into the matter.”
The release also quoted the IGP as reminding Police personnel on various legitimate assignments, particularly those attached to VIPs to always remain mindful of their conduct and ensure that they uphold the professional ethics, traditions and best practices of the Force at all times.
The statement signed by Frank Mba, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, quoted the IG as warning that any officer found acting in ways inconsistent with extant laws and regulations of the Force will be severely dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command (PPRO), Mrs. Angela Agabe said Hon. Lloyd representing Emohua constituency in the Assembly is wanted over alleged conspiracy, attempted murder, wounding, and wilful damage.
Noting that the lawmaker was last seen on July 9 at the Assembly and that he failed to respond to police invitation which elapsed on July 15, she said: “The Rivers State Police Command has declared wanted, one Honourable Chidi Lloyd, a native of Emohua, in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State. About 37 years of age, he is the Majority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly. He was involved in a case of conspiracy, attempted murder, wounding, and wilful damage on the 9th of July 2013.
“The crime is being investigated by a special team from the Inspector-General of Police in collaboration with the state Criminal Investigation Division, Rivers command. He was last seen at the Rivers State House of Assembly on the 9th of July 2013. All efforts to trace his whereabouts have so far proved abortive.”
