The last minute cancellation of a press briefing scheduled by the Nigerian Police Force in Riverson the Saturday clash between soldiers clashed and police officials at the INEC office in Obio Akpor LGA collation Centre is creating anxiety and tension in the Niger Delta state.
It is public knowledge that the 6 Division of the Nigeria Army in Port Harcourt has a strained relationship with the state police command after two soldiers were allegedly targeted in brutal attacks by cops, as well as thugs.
A local news report has it that the thugs and policemen followed Governor Nyesom Wike to his Obio Akpor local government area collation centre on Saturday night. The two soldiers, Adams Salami, a captain, and Adeosun Adebayo, a corporal, are currently at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt, respectively- receiving treatment for injuries sustained.
After initial refusal by the military personnel, the press led by the police were finally allowed to gain access to the hospital on Sunday afternoon on the condition that the police PRO- Omoni Nnamdi- would address the press shortly afterwards and tell the world what really transpired on Saturday.
Curiously, the press briefing was suspended by the police hierarchy even after the press had been summoned at the instance of Nnamdi. The military apparatchiks find the cancellation unsettling and quite disturbing. A source at the Defence Headquarters revealed that the military authorities are vexed that the Police is reneging on an earlier agreement to take responsibility and tell the world what happened.
The police spokesman has however dismissed the fears by the military authorities stating that the police is merely putting its house in order and would address the press in due time.
Fingers are however being pointed in the direction of the Rivers State governor for instigating the crises but a spokesman for the Rivers State Government House declined any comment on the story.
INEC has responded to the violent turn of events in the state by suspending all electoral processes pending the outcome of an administrative panel of inquiry.