•By Halimah Olamide
The Young Emerging Leaders Initiative (YELI) , has condemned assassination attempts allegedly carried out on Rivers Speaker, Barr. Edison Ogerenye Ehie (DSSRS).
This was contained in a statement released by the group on Monday.
According to the statement, the assailants were identified as a detachment of rogue police officers, led by Superintendent of Police Irikefe London Owen (attached to CTU B 3 RSV) and Chief Superintendent of Police Salihu Masalachi, accompanied by a group of dangerous thugs.
“It is deeply regrettable that an institution entrusted with the constitutional duty of safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens, especially public figures, would allow its operatives to engage in such illicit and reprehensible activities, akin to ‘wet ops’ seemingly sanctioned by the Nigerian State.”
The group further called on the Nigerian police particularly the Inspector General of Police, IGP Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, PhD, PM to commence a credible investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the issue. It also urged Rivers youths and Nigerians to stand against the oppression in the state.
“It is imperative for the international community and Nigerians to take note that any harm befalling our esteemed speaker will result in the police and the Nigerian State being held accountable.
“We utilize this platform to implore Rivers Youths, as well as all well-meaning sons and daughters of Rivers and Nigerians, to stand united against the oppressive tactics reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s regime currently unfolding in Rivers State.
“The people of Rivers can never be subjected to the crude dictatorship of a self-styled emperor.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic, neither is Rivers State the personal fiefdom of an egocentric, tavern led demagogue.” The statement concluded.