Withdrawal of Special Forces from Bayelsa: Governor Diri Urges IG to Reallocate Resources
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to relocate the special police force stationed in Nembe-Bassambiri, Nembe Local Government Area.
Rather than keeping the force in the community, Governor Diri suggests deploying these security personnel to states grappling with frequent incidents of violence and loss of life.
The governor made this call during the weekend, as the judicial panel of inquiry, instituted by the state government to investigate the communal crisis in Nembe-Bassambiri, presented its findings at the Government House in Yenagoa. The panel was formed on August 15, 2023, six months after the initial crisis erupted on February 15, resulting in three fatalities and significant property damage.
Diri expressed concern about the continued presence of a police special force in Nembe-Bassambiri, emphasizing that the area was relatively peaceful before their arrival. He urged the Inspector-General to reconsider and redirect the special forces to states experiencing more severe security challenges.
The governor stated, “Today, we almost have an occupying police force in Nembe-Bassambiri. A special force from the Inspector-General of Police has been there before and after last year’s governorship election.”Diri reinforced the importance of peace in the region, calling on the warring factions to embrace reconciliation.
He reminded the community of the state government’s indefinite suspension of chiefs and the youth body in Nembe-Bassambiri, emphasizing the need for lasting peace.Addressing the report presented by the judicial panel, Diri assured that the recommendations would be meticulously examined and implemented. To facilitate this process, the governor established a five-man committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Gideon Ekeuwei.
The committee, mandated to review the panel’s report within two weeks, comprises members such as the acting Chief of Staff, Peter Akpe, the Head of Service, Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Alabo Ozubide.The panel’s secretary, Diepreye Omubo, presented the report on behalf of the chairman, Justice Margaret Akpomiemie (retd.), noting that the committee completed its task on September 29 of the previous year, seeking an extension that was granted by the governor.
Credit: Punch News