There is tension in Imo State as sacked but court reinstated local government chairmen elected during the reign of former Governor Rochas Okorocha, may have concluded plans to take over the 27 Local Government Councils in the State.
This is not going down well with the Imo State Police Command, Owerri, which warned on Sunday that it will foil any attempt by the Chairmen to do so.
In a statement in Owerri, signed by SP Ikeokwu Godson Orlando, Police Public Relations Officer,the command warned “those trying to cause problems to desist from this act that is capable of leading to breakdown of law and order as the Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone taking laws into his/her own hands”
The full statement reads:
“It has come to the notice of the Imo state Police Command that the ousted Local Government Chairmen and their supporters are planning to forcefully take over office simultaneously on Monday 13/7/2020. This is sequel to the claim that the Federal High court ruling is in their favour. The appeal and stay of execution to that ruling has been received by the office of the Commissioner of Police Imo State. Just on 09/07/2020, the Appeal Court Order for the parties involved to maintain status quo.
‘The Command therefore wish to warn those trying to cause problems to desist from this act that is capable of leading to breakdown of law and order as the Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone taking laws into his/her own hands.
“The Command is fully aware of the court judgement directing them to return to office, and also the stay of execution and status quo obtained by the Interim Management committee.
“To this end the command wish to warn both parties to maintain status quo as directed by the court until a final judgement is pronounced.
“The command wish to state clearly that it will be ready to enforce and ensure the execution and compliance of the court judgement as soon as all legal processes are exhausted and verdict received.
“Similarly,the IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND wish to remind all the parties involved that the Covid 19 restrictions and directives is still in existence, as such, the ban on all forms of gathering/assembly is still in place, there shall therefore be no protest or gathering of any kind. Any person or group of persons found violating this executive order as issued by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws.
“Members of the public are advised to go about their lawful business as the Command is still in the business of protecting lives and properties.
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