Cross River: Heads Of Security Formations Caution Protesters Against Violence, Insists On Due Process
By Abasi Ita Calabar
Heads of security agencies in Cross River say they have mobilized men and resources to guard against any violent protests capable of threatening the peace, security, and political stability in the state.
Their stern stance was expressed after a high-level security meeting between Governor Bassey Otu and the security chiefs in Calabar.
Addressing newsmen after the crucial meeting convened by the Governor to appraise the readiness of the security formations in the state ahead of the nationwide planned protest, the state Commissioner of Police, (CP) Austin Grimah expressed his dismay with organizers of the planned protest over their refusal to furnish security outfits with their itineraries.
According to Grimah, “The protesters have bluntly refused to register their request to assemble and march around the streets by the law”
On the readiness of security agencies, CP Grimah assured residents that all necessary logistics and deployments have been concluded to guard against an anbreakdownwn of law and order
In his words; “As you can see from the composition of our service commanders here, it’s an indication that all of us are working together, and every deployment that is needed, as regards to the supposed or suspected activities of tomorrow, has been done and perfectly done. But more importantly, our advice is that people should come out and continue to perform their normal legal activities,” he posited.
“If anybody thinks they will come out for any protests, they should be sure that what they are coming up to start will end up well. But if it’s not going to end up welltheyey should remain where they are, because even after the protests, we will still go after such people. And anybody who attempts to pick up a pin, as he picks the pin, he will go down with it, because we will not allow anything close to that.”
The police boss revealed that the window for groups to notify authorities of their intent to protest was still open and implored protest organizers to formally acquaint the relevant security outfits with their plans to guarantee required protection in tandem with the constitution
Grimah reassured residents of the state that the police command in collaboration with other security agencies would be vigilant in monitoring and apprehending anyone with violent intentions. “The police will be on the ground to monitor those whose motive is to foment violence and apprehend them accordingly,” he said.
He appealed to Cross Riverians to continue with their daily activities without fear of intimidation, debunking rumors of aalooming curfew. “A curfew can only be a discretionary measure should things get out of hand,” he noted.
“As the situation unfolds, the top brass at the heads of security architecture in the state remain committed to safeguarding the peace and security of Cross River State, urging citizens to remain calm and cooperative.
The meeting was attended by the top echelon in the Army, Airforce, Navy, DSS, Immigration Service, Customs, Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corp, and Federal Road Safety Commission based in the state.