Wike Accuses Deputy Commissioner of Police of Sabotaging Lockdown

As residents of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State began the first day of the lockdown ordered by the state, the state Governor, Nyesom Wike, has accused the state Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abubakar, of attempting to sabotage the directive by issuing waivers to some companies.

This is as he commended the Rivers people for complying with the lockdown declared by the state government to check the spread of coronavirus.

He also ordered the prosecution of more than 200 persons arrested for violation of the lockdown and the auction of 20 vehicles impounded by different teams enforcing the lockdown.

In an interview in Port Harcourt after monitoring the level of compliance on Thursday, Wike said the deputy police commissioner issued illegal letters to companies.

According to him, "It is unfortunate to see the level of sabotage that we get from the police, particularly the deputy commissioner of police, operations, Rivers State Police Command.

"The deputy commissioner of police will sign approvals for companies because he wants to collect money. I am the governor of this state and there cannot be two governors."

He said the approvals issued by the police or any other authorities, outside the office of the Rivers State governor, are illegal.

Wike said: "The state deputy commissioner of police has no power to issue approvals when the state government has locked down the state. After the State Security Council met and agreed on the lockdown, the DCP went ahead to issue illegal letters to companies to operate. I have never seen that in my life."

Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, the state security council was holding an emergency meeting on the matter and may issue further statement on the deputy police commissioner.

On compliance with the lockdown, Wike put the level of compliance at 95 per cent.

He said: "I want to commend Rivers people for the level of support they have shown. The level of compliance is quite satisfactory. It is more than 95 per cent within the two local government areas.”