…As SSS quizzes Amaechi’s CSO
More heads may roll in the crisis rocking Rivers State, as military authorities have reportedly arrested soldiers who stormed the chambers of the state House of Assembly in the thick of Tuesday’s free for all.
Military sources told Pointblanknews.com that the soldiers were detained in Bori cantonment, and may face various forms of punishment, including court-martial.
The soldiers had reportedly accompanied Governor Chibuike Amaechi into the assembly complex, but had jettisoned military discipline and joined in the fracas.
“In the military, any form of indiscipline attracts appropriate sanctions.
The soldiers dumped their military training and began to act like streets boys. Any soldier worth his salt should know that the hallowed chambers of a legislature is a no-go area,” a military source offered.
The source added that the conduct of the soldiers attached to Amaechi may have embarrassed the Army high command, explaining Wednesday’s sudden withdrawal of the remaining soldiers attached to Port Harcourt Government House.
Meanwhile, the Department of State Security (DSS) has interrogated Mr. Tony Iwelu, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Governor Amaechi over his role in Tuesday’s free for all in the state House of Assembly.
DSS sources said Iwelu was detained on Wednesday, but released shortly. He reportedly travelled with the governor to Lagos. He is billed to appear before another DSS panel next week in Abuja.
On his part, the governor’s Aide de camp (ADC) Debewari Seimeikumo, has reportedly gone into hiding in the face of moves to “interview” him.
Iwelu and Seimeikumo, an Assistant Supritendent of Police (ASP) were in the heat of the fracas caught on tape assaulting anti-Amaechi law makers.
Decked in black suit and tie, Iwelu was caught holding down anti-Amaechi lawmaker Kelechi Wogu, with House Leader Llyod Chidi battering the hapless lawmaker with the mace. Amaechi’s ADC, who was dressed in police camouflage and blue beret, was caught. Yelling “Who are they? Don’t let him go! Arrest him! You are mad! Idiot!” as he slapped, kicked and punched the already bloodied lawmaker.
In the melee, the Governor’s CSO’s suit was ruffled. The ADC was slightly injured when Chidi’s mace inadvertently hit his hands.
DSS sources told Pointblanknews.com that the department was thoroughly embarrassed by the CSO’s involvement in the fight and would punish him “accordingly.”
Pointblanknews.com also gathered that a special police panel met with Governor Amaechi Friday night in Port Harcourt. The panel, headed by Idris Farouk, Commissioner of Police in charge of anti-fraud unit, also met with the anti-Amaechi lawmakers.
However, another meeting of the Farouk panel with pro-Amaechi lawmakers was stalled by the absence of key players in the melee, notably Speaker Otelemaba Amachree and House Leader Chidi.
The pro-Amaechi lawmakers met with the police panel at Hotel Presidential at about noon, but refused to make any submissions in the absence of the Speaker and Leader.