Violent Protests: Police Declare 3-Day Curfew In Bayelsa State
BY GRACE ANYANWU, Following the eruption of political violence that erupted in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital on Friday, the Nigeria Police has slammed a three day curfew on the state.
The curfew, according to the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr. Uche Anozia, said the restriction of movement which commenced on Friday, February 14, 2020 from 8:00am to 6:00pm will last till Sunday, February 16, 2020.
Anozia told journalists that a three-day curfew has to be declared and enforced in the state in order to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The police commissioner announced that so far, eight persons have been arrested in connection with the protest that witnessed some buildings that included the State secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Yenagoa burnt down just as the State Radio Station, Government House and the residence of the new executive governor were touched by the protesters.
The violence protests which were believed to have been carried out by aggrieved members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), erupted in the oil rich state following the judgement of the Supreme Court that sacked the former Governor-elect, Mr. David Lyon following discrepancies in the names of his deputy, Mr. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. David Lyon, who was declared winner of the November 2019 governorship election in the state, was sacked by the Supreme Court on Thursday as a result of his running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, that was said to have presented false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his qualification for the election.
Following the Supreme Court judgement, the candidate of the PDP, Senator Douye Diri, who scored the second highest votes in the election, was consequently issued cCertificate of Return and sworn in as the elected Governor of Bayelsa State.
