The Nigeria Police on Friday insisted that it acted professionally to
forestall mayhem on Thursday's commotion at the National Assembly.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, made this
known when he briefed newsmen on police role on Thursday's commotion
at the National Assembly.
Ojukwu maintained that policemen at the National Assembly acted to
maintain law and order, but were rebuffed by some ``hoodlums and
never-do-wells', who tried to beat security check at the gate.
"When we have information that something bad is about to happen, our
job is to stop it from happening and all we did yesterday was to
forestall such an occurrence,'' he said.
The spokesman explained that some hoodlums accompanied some of the
lawmakers and refused to be checked at the gate.
This led to the closure of the gate when the House of Representatives
speaker tried to gain entrance into the National Assembly premises.
He said that the policemen acted professionally, one of the officers
was assaulted in the process leading to the dropping of the teargas
that caused commotion at the complex.
"The policemen on ground acted according to their discretion and to
the best of their ability. I am satisfied with what the policemen did
yesterday.
"Law and order must be respected at all cost and at all times
otherwise the nation will be in turmoil.''
The police said everybody should obey the laws of the land and do
things in line with the law.
He said: "you cannot make a law and be a breaker of the law, it's not
acceptable in normal societies.''
The spokesman said seven arrests were made and that investigation was
ongoing so as to unravel the culprits and prosecute them.
Ojukwu assured that the police would continue to carry out its duties
in line with the laws of the land.
He warned politicians to go about their electioneering campaigns in
line with laid down rules and regulations.
The spokesman had earlier issued a statement explaining the police's
role in the unfortunate incident at the National Assembly on Thursday.
"The Nigeria Police promptly deployed its personnel to the premises to
prevent a breakdown of law and order.
"Consequently, the police cordoned the area and began screening of all
members and visitors alike.
"In the course of this lawful exercise, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, arrived
the venue with a motley crowd, who broke the cordon, assaulted the
police and evaded due process.
"The police had the duty to restore order and normalcy using lawful means."
--NAN
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