The Police Command in Ebonyi, has denied receiving petitions over alleged attacks on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
The command made the clarification in a statement by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, on Wednesday in Abakaliki.
The statement was issued in response to an interview granted by a PDP chieftain, Mr Emmanuel Nwobo, on Arise News Channel, in which he allegedly accused the command of failing to act on petitions concerning attacks on party members.
Ukandu noted that Nwobo cited three incidents and claimed that petitions had been submitted to the police.
”The command wishes to state unequivocally that no petition relating to any of the alleged attacks has been received by the Ebonyi police command,” he said.
He said that the command was therefore unable to ascertain the basis of the claim that such petitions had been submitted.
He also denied allegations that police personnel were withdrawn from Mr Ifeanyi Nworie because of a ”superior order”.
He described the claim as “manifestly false and without factual basis”, adding that police officers were nowhere near the incidents referred to during the interview.
The spokesman explained that it received Nworie’s letter requesting security at about 3; 03 p.m. on July 31.
He said the letter, titled ”Threat to Life and Application for Adequate Security Coverage”, indicated that Nworie was scheduled to be officially received at Onuoriegu, Ikwuator Idembia ward, Ezza South Local Government Area, on Aug. 1 at 10a.m.
According to him, Nworie neither contacted the command to clarify the request nor provided additional information on the specific venue and other details required to facilitate security arrangements.
He added that attempts to contact him were unsuccessful because he neither answered nor returned calls.
He said that the command was awaiting formal petitions on the alleged attacks and would subject each allegation to ”thorough, impartial and discreet investigation”, with appropriate action based on the outcome.
Ukandu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to impartiality and professionalism under the leadership of the state Commissioner of Police, Hope Okafor.
He advised residents planning large gatherings to comply with the provisions of the Public Order Act by seeking requisite permission and possible consequential security coverage.
He also cautioned individuals and groups against statements capable of heightening tension, inciting violence or undermining peace in the state.
He added that the command would continue to protect lives and property and deal decisively with acts of violence, irrespective of the political affiliation of perpetrators or victims