Police Investigate Alleged Assassination Attempt on Rivers Lawmaker

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Police Command yesterday commenced investigation into the alleged assassination attempt  on the factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Edison Ehie, at his residence in Port Harcourt.

THISDAY  learnt  that at about 11pm on Sunday, a group of fully armed thugs and Police officers allegedly attacked the private residence of  Ehie  with an intention to assassinate him.

It was gathered  that the thugs were vehemently repelled in a gun battle by the official security details attached to Speaker.

Reacting to the allegation of the  assassination attempt on the Speaker, the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the command has commence investigation into the issue.

Disu said the investigation so far on the allegation has not revealed any assassination attempt and pleaded with the Speaker or anybody that has evidence of attack to report to him immediately for onward investigation and action.

The CP said: “The preliminary investigations we have done so far, this morning, have not revealed any assassination attempt. All I knew was that Police officers were on patrol, convoy patrol, It’s a routine thing and then we have made frantic efforts to get across to the leader to give us any information he has, so that we can include it in what we already have. So, far so good, nothing to worry about.

“My plead to him and every other person is, if there is any complain, my number is going to be made public. They should call me quickly and I will quickly look into it. For now, I haven’t gotten anything like that”, CP Disu added.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara has charged CP Disu, to be professional in fighting crime and criminality in the state.

The Rivers State governor reiterated his commitment to working tirelessly to ensure the peace and development of the state as a leader who is for all.

Fubara gave the charge, yesterday, when he received on courtesy visit at Government House in Port Harcourt, CP Disu, who recently assumed duties as the 45th commissioner of police in the State.

He said: “We believe that your coming, not just as a new person but somebody who already understands Rivers State, is going to be an added advantage for us. And I want you to be professional.”

The governor promised to support and cooperation of the state government to strengthen the capacity of the police to discharge on its responsibility.

Speaking, CP Disu assured him of adopting a proactive policing strategy that will deplore efficient surveillance, mutual trust within the rank and file and from members of the public in protecting lives and property.

He further assured the governor that he will devote his time to the task of making sure that there is an atmosphere of peace wherein Rivers people feel safer while making it difficult for criminals to operate.