Yesterday, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly passed a resolution concerning urgent matters, in which they strongly criticized the recent police operation in the Opu-Nembe community within the Nembe local government area of the state. The incident took place last Saturday and was met with severe condemnation by the legislators.
The lawmakers emphasized that this intervention resulted in significant damage to properties and the alleged loss of lives.
During the assembly’s discussions, Speaker Abraham Ingobere, in response to a motion put forth by Oteigbanyo George-Braah, the representative of Nembe Constituency 1, called upon the Inspector-General of Police to adhere to an existing court order by withdrawing the police personnel stationed in Opu-Nembe.
Furthermore, the House called upon the Inspector-General of Police, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, and other pertinent law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and promptly apprehend those responsible.
In line with their resolution, the House urged the state government to expeditiously establish a judicial commission of inquiry. They also implored both the federal and state governments to adopt suitable measures to prevent future attacks on the community.
The legislators additionally called upon the Bayelsa Caucus within the National Assembly to raise the Opu-Nembe issue during discussions within both chambers.
The sponsor of the motion, George-Braah, depicted the situation within the community as dire, warranting immediate attention.
During separate remarks, Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere, House Leader Monday Bubou, Chief Whip Gabriel Ogbara, Bernard Kenebai, and other legislators expressed their dismay at the police incursion, which they collectively deemed politically motivated.
The lawmakers emphasized that failing to address the situation in Opu-Nembe seriously could have a cascading effect on other communities, potentially unsettling the peace within the state.
