Detained governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi has been released, after unwarranted attack on his person and infringement on his

Governor of Rivers State Chibuike Amaechi

freedom of movement, said the Information and Communication Commissioner Ibim Semenitari, late Thursday.

“Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been allowed to leave Olorunsogo – Ilado, Ondo State,” the Commissioner said in a press statement.

“Governor Amaechi was allowed to leave by road after the aircraft that carried him to Akure was impounded on superior orders.

“The governor is in high spirits and remains committed to the ideals of democratic rule and the right of all parties to a free and fair contest,” Semenitari.

The governor was reported to have been “ambushed” by security men, in Ondo a neighbouring state on his way into Ekiti where he planned to join fellow party member, Governor Kayode Fayemi at a politically rally ahead of the governorship election holding in the state Saturday, June 21.

The state commissioner in a statement issued earlier intimating the media on the arrest of the governor, said it was part of the plot of the ruling party PDP, to intimidate the opposition party.

Dr. Fayemi the sitting governor of Ekiti and APC candidate seeks re election, against the ruling PDP candidate Segun Fayose, a former governor in the state believed to have a formidable political clout to regain control in the state.

The Police on Thursday after news of the arrest issued a statement in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, said it has placed an order “banning movements in and out of Ekiti state, with effect from 6pm on Thursday, till the Ekiti governorship elections are over on Saturday.”

A statement signed by the Force spokesman, Mr. Frank MBA, said movements in Ekiti will be “restricted within the state between 6am to 8pm.”

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubarkar said this is to ensure “a hitch-free election, devoid of electoral fraud in the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election.”

Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Bala M Nasarawa will supervise security arrangements in the state, Abubakar announced in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.

AIG Nasarawa will be assisted by four Commissioners of Police, with Ikechukwu Aduba functioning as Commissioner of Police in charge of Ekiti for the period of the election.

“Three other CPs will be specifically, saddled with the responsibility of supervising security arrangements in the three senatorial districts of the state,” the IGP said.

The Force however, warned security details to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.