Normalcy returns to Calabar as Ayade wades into police, navy fracas

Normalcy has returned to Calabar following the intervention of Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade in the face-off between the Nigerian Police and the Navy Tuesday night.

Addressing newsmen, shortly after an emergency security council meeting at Government House, Calabar, Wednesday, Ayade urged the citizenry to go about their businesses as normalcy has returned to the affected area.

According to Ayade, “I just met with all the service commanders on the incident that happened 6.pm yesterday in a security council meeting to reassure residents, the citizenry and indeed Nigerians that the whole area is calm after the unfortunate incident that arouse from the misunderstanding between the officers, one from the police Force and a Naval officer.”

Continuing, he maintained that “the senior officers were quite proactive by intervening fast to arrest the situation yesterday and today we are proud to announce to you that Calabar and indeed, Cross River State is totally calm and peaceful. It is already agog to receive the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo tomorrow.”

Ayade further cleared the air that “this has nothing to do with rivalry between the Nigerian Police and the Navy. It was just about two individuals disagreeing at the point and leading to reinforcement from their barracks. Luckily, their senior officers and their commanders quickly intervened and the place is calm.”

The governor, however, regretted the incident, promising to take full responsibility for all the associated damages on both sides while urging officers and men operating in the state to see themselves as partners in progress at all times.

On his part, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Victory command, Commodore Sid Jubril said: “We are saddened by the incident that happened yesterday. I am, however, very delighted to tell you that normalcy has returned.”

Reacting to the claim in some quarters that the incident affected the entire state capital, Jubril explained: “The incident only affected a portion of IBB and not the entire metropolis and we are fully on ground to prevent possible escalation.

“Let me assure you that the culprits will be brought to book, properly investigated and appropriate sanctions meted on them.”
He promised adequate protection of lives and property of the citizenry.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police. Mr. Inuwa Hafiz who also confirmed the incident stated: “To align with what the governor has said earlier, yesterday’s fracas has nothing to do with the relationship between the Police and Navy. It was just a misunderstanding amongst our junior officers that led to the incident which we quickly stepped in to address.”

He disclosed that “We are glad to announce to the populace that Calabar and the entire state is calm and our status as the safest state remains without a doubt.

“All the service commanders in the state are one and active partners in progress, particularly on issues of security and protection of lives and property of the citizenry.”

While allaying fears of possible escalation, Hafiz explained that “In life, you cannot rule out such misunderstanding from time to time but we are more determined and ready to move above board in discharging our constitutional responsibilities.”
He assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and the offenders legitimately sanctioned.

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Posted by admin on May 31 2017. Filed under Ben Ayade Desk. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry