Rivers crisis: CSO gives IGP 24 hours to arrest, prosecute 27 lawmakers

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has been given a 24-hour ultimatum to apprehend and bring to justice the 27 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A civil society organization, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CSO), has asserted that these defectors are no longer legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and should therefore be arrested and prosecuted. The organization contends that the lawmakers are guilty of conspiring to commit treasonable felony through their actions.

In an open letter dated December 12, 2023, addressed to the IGP, the CSO, through its Legal Adviser, Kalu Kalu Agu, emphasized its commitment to good governance in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and democratic norms. The letter calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the 27 former members, citing their continued self-identification as members of the House of Assembly and their attempts to participate in legislative activities as grounds for suspicion.

The CSO warns that if the IGP fails to comply with the demand within 24 hours, they will take appropriate action to ensure the prosecution of the 27 suspects in accordance with the law. The letter concludes by expressing hope that wise counsel will prevail.