Police ban rallies, procession in Bayelsa as collation continues

As collation of results from Saturday’s Bayelsa State governorship election continues on Monday, the Nigeria Police Force has placed a ban on processions, rallies, protests or demonstrations throughout the state.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Hashimu Argungu, who said intelligence report has it that “some disgruntled elements” were planning to cause trouble by embarking on illegitimate rallies.

The statement warned perpetrators to desist from such act, saying the police was ready to deal decisively with violators of the directive.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has already announced results from six Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the State while results from Nembe and Southern Ijaw LGAs, are still being awaited.

Meanwhile, some youths have defied the police order by carried out protests against the announcement of the result. At least two of the protesters are said to have been arrested by law enforcement agents.