Bayelsa Governorship: Group Criticizes Police for Intimidation and Harassment of Nembe Communities

• The Bayelsa Progressives Forum expressed concern over reported intimidation and harassment of citizens in Nembe communities by the police SWAT unit, calling for an investigation
• The group emphasized the need for professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to the law by SWAT officers to maintain public trust and ensure a fair gubernatorial election

The Bayelsa Progressives Forum, a pro-democracy organization, has voiced its concerns over reports of intimidation and harassment of citizens in Nembe communities by the Nigeria Police Force’s Special Operation Unit, known as SWAT.

In a press statement released on Thursday and signed by the Coordinator, Comrade Abiye Akpodigha, the group highlighted a growing number of cases of police misconduct and abuse directed at residents in Nembe communities over the past few weeks. They emphasized that these actions not only infringe on the fundamental rights of the citizens but also pose a significant threat to the peaceful conduct of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State.

The group called upon the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, whose primary responsibility is to maintain law and order in the country, to promptly investigate the allegations and take necessary measures to ensure that SWAT officers operating in Nembe communities adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights. These actions are crucial to prevent unwarranted interference with the democratic process and to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

The group expressed its disapproval of the situation where registered voters in certain communities are forcibly driven out of their ancestral homes during elections due to political desperation to secure elected positions.

While recognizing the importance of a strong and effective police force and the challenging tasks they undertake to ensure security and public order, the group stressed that this should not serve as an excuse for violating the rights of law-abiding citizens. They called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene and instruct the SWAT unit to operate within the bounds of the law.

The Bayelsa Progressives Forum also conveyed its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They stated their readiness to actively engage with political parties and stakeholders to ensure that the will of the people prevails in the upcoming gubernatorial election.