The new Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, said that the ban on political rallies in the State remains. He said this while briefing the newsmen in Port Harcourt on February 13, 2014.
His predecessor, Joseph Mbu, at the last lap of his reign as Police Commissioner banned all political rallies in the State, giving the volatile nature of the State politics as an excuse. The ban elicited angry reactions across the State, as politicians accused the former Police CP of being biased.
But less than 24 hours of his assumption of Office, Tunde Ogunsakin the new CP of Rivers state said the ban on political rallies remained in force.
According to him, section 99 (1) of the electoral Act stipulates that political parties are not allowed to carry out any political activities until 90 days before the election.
“The said section provides as follows "for the purpose of this Electoral Acts, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day,” he said.
He said that any political associations or pressure groups that intends to hold any public gathering in the State must give the police not less than five days notice to enable the police provide adequate security and protection.
“For the purpose of the proper and peaceful conduct of political rallies and procession, the Commissioner of Police in each State of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja shall provide adequate security for procession at political rallies in the States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” Tunde Ogunsakin added.
He promised to partner with various communities, established institutions and all relevant stakeholders in policing the State.
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