SAN FRANCISCO, November 20, (THEWILL) – The police force in Nigeria late Thursday explained why officers tear-gassed parliamentarians after policemen sealed off the House of Representatives to prevent Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and members of the lower chamber from holding a special session to debate President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for an elongation of the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.
Below is the statement from the police force:
Following an intelligence report of a likely invasion of the House of Representatives by hoodlums and thugs, the Nigeria Police Force promptly deployed its personnel to the premises to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Consequently, the Police condoned the area and began screening of all members and visitors alike.
In the course of this lawful exercise, Alh. Aminu Tambuwal CFR, arrived the venue with a motley crowd, who broke the cordon, assaulted the Police and evaded due process and the Police had the duty to restore order and normalcy, using lawful means.
The IGP seizes this medium to warn all political actors and their followers to respect constituted authority and due process and to desist from the use of thugs to pursue their agenda.
The Nigeria Police shall continually apply all lawful means to prevent a breakdown of law and order in all segments of the society and shall apply the full weight of the law on any political actor who violates the peace and security of the nation.
Ag. CP EMMANUEL C. S. OJUKWU, psc
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS.
