The Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has given the Rivers State Police Command a seven-day deadline to arrest the Khana Local Government Area Chairman and his alleged accomplices for disrupting a peaceful prayer meeting.
The group announced in a communiqué following an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday, in Port Harcourt.
According to the group, agents acting 22 the world of Bariera allegedly invaded and forcefully disrupted a peaceful prayer meeting organised by Dr. Douglas Fabeke, subjecting attendees to intimidation, harassment and violence.
The group said the calm response of Dr. Fabeke and his followers prevented what could have escalated into widespread violence in Ogoniland.
The Initiative noted that despite submitting a detailed petition to the Rivers State Police Command shortly after the incident, no arrests or investigative actions have been taken more than two months later.
“The continued silence and inaction of the police give the impression that Bariera and his agents are above the law. This raises serious concerns about justice, equal treatment and the protection of citizens’ rights,” the communiqué stated.
After extensive deliberation, the Ogoni Liberation Initiative resolved as follows:
A seven-day ultimatum is issued to the Rivers State Police Command, beginning from the date of the communiqué, to arrest Thomas Bariera and all agents involved in the violent disruption of the Bori prayer meeting.
Failure to act within the stipulated period will lead to a peaceful statewide protest, to be held in Bori and at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, in collaboration with civil society groups and partner organisations.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement but insisted it would not remain silent while citizens’ rights are violated without consequence.
The Initiative called on the police to uphold their constitutional responsibility to protect lives, enforce the law impartially, and ensure that no individual regardless of office or political affiliation shielded from accountability.
The communique was signed by stakeholders who were present at the disrupted event and who said they experienced physical harassment and victimisation during the September 27 incident allegedly carried out by suspected thugs linked to the Khana LGA chairman.
Names and signatures of stakeholders appended to the communiqué: Dr. Douglas Fabeke – President of the OLI, Elder Owen Vincent, Hon. Gonee Akpobari Sakpua, Elder Agbozi Gilbert, Elder Godwin Nkuenee, Comrade Dick Eppie, Zua Fyneface, Chief Monday Piitu, Chief Konee Bekee, Elugbara Loveday.
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