No crisis in Rivers –Presidency

… Police confirm Majority Leader’s arrest

From TAIWO AMODU and MOLLY KILETE, Abuja

As Nigerians express concern over the scary situation in Rivers State, the Federal Government has dismissed media reports of the recent political turbulence in the state as “deliberate over-sensationalization of the situation.”

Attempts by five lawmakers of the House of Assembly to remove the  Speaker were resisted and the situation degenerated into free-for-all on the floor of the assembly.

Five northern governors had during this week met with two former  Heads of State, Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalam Abubakar, in Minna, Niger State, asking them to prevail on President Goodluck  Jonathan to ensure that peace returns to the state.

But addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs to the President, Dr Doyin Okupe claimed there was no breakdown of law and order in the state.

He claimed that the  crisis in the state was imaginary.

His remarks: “We are compelled to react to the unfolding political drama emanating from recent activities of some governors from the northern part concerning political developments in Rivers State. These political moves, which are clearly intended to create fear, despair and sense of apprehension among the citizenry are grossly unfounded, misplaced and a deliberate over-sensationalization of the situation.

“We therefore wish to state as follows: Insinuations and statements suggesting that Rivers State is on fire are grossly unfounded. So far, as it is evident to every discerning observer of political developments, the state is calm and peaceful. Residents of the state continue to go about their various businesses, religious, social and political activities under peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Force Headquaters in Abuja said in Abuja yesterday that Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Chidi Llyod, is in its custody and helping police investigators to unravel the circumstances surrounding the crisis in the Assembly.

This is coming just as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, has promised a quick, fair and unbiased investigation into the matter.

Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP, Frank Mba, who made this known in a statement, said that Lloyd reported to the Force Headquarters on Monday, at about 4pm, in company of his lawyer and went straight to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

TheSun