By Jonathan Lois
The Bayelsa State caucus in the House of Representatives on Monday alleged that the invasion of the Opu-Nembe community by policemen which led to the death and the arrest of several youths was politically motivated.
The caucus said the incident was targeted at destroying the peace of the administration of Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has brought to Bayelsa State which is enjoyed by all.
The lawmakers who addressed reporters at the House Press Centre called for a thorough investigation of the incident.
Four out of the five lawmakers including Hon. Agbedi Frederick (Chairman), Hon Mitama Obordor (Secretary),Hon Rodney Ambaiowei and Hon Marie Ebikake, addressed the press.
Ebikake, who spoke on behalf of the group condemned in strongest terms “the killing and maiming of innocent citizens in Opu-Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State acting on the behest of individuals bent on destroying the existing peace with the invasion of Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) by men of the Nigerian Police Force (SWAT) in a Gestapo fashion.
“What happened at Opu-Nembe Community on the 12th of August, 2023 is politically motivated and targeted at destroying the peace that the Prosperity administration led by His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri has brought to Bayelsa State which is enjoyed by all.
“We wish to commend the immediate response of the Bayelsa State government led by Sen. Douye Diri to the crisis and the effort to dilute the tension in the affected community.
“The raid caused death of innocent citizens and indiscriminate arrest and detention of scores of Opu Nembe (Bassambiri) youths, who are presently in the custody of the Nigeria Police at Abuja.
“May we, also, remind the IGP that a ‘sting’ operation of such nature carried out in total disregard of existing protocols, with regards to the role of the Governor as the Chief Security Officer of the state, within his domain, in the clear absence of imminent threat to national security is not only a threat to our democracy but raises questions of the presence of the Joint Security Task Force stationed in the community over the years.
“We implore the commission of inquiry set up in the aftermath of the incident to determine the root cause of the crisis and proffer a permanent solution to these unfortunate incidents in Opu Nembe (Bassambiri).
“We want to use this opportunity to call on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency, empanel a high powered commission of inquiry on the immediate and remote causes including the role of the Nigeria Police particularly the SWAT department, their source of funding and other individuals who played roles in the armed invasion to ensure the perpetrators are fished out and made to face the wrath of the law.
“This will not only act as a deterrent but also send a message to individuals with a selfish agenda not to tarnish the image of your government and the democratic reputation you have brought into governance.
“We also want to use this medium to offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the unfortunate incident kingdom to please remain calm and allow peace and call on all sons and daughters of Nembe to reign in the kingdom.”
