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By Mandy Willy
The Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Rivers State Police Command demanding the arrest of Khana Local Government Chairman, Thomas Bariera, over the alleged disruption of a prayer meeting in Bori.
The demand was contained in a communiqué released after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held on December 2, 2025, in Port Harcourt.
The group said, individuals acting on the instructions of Chairman Bariera allegedly invaded and forcefully dispersed a peaceful prayer session organised by Dr. Douglas Fabeke. The group said attendees were subjected to intimidation, harassment, and violence during the September 27 incident.
OLI noted that despite submitting a detailed petition to the police shortly after the disruption, no arrests or investigative steps 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.
Following deliberations, the group resolved to give the police seven days from the date of the communiqué to arrest the chairman and all alleged perpetrators.
It warned that failure to act would lead to a peaceful statewide protest in Bori and at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, to be carried out in collaboration with civil society organisations and partner groups.
The Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy but insisted it would not tolerate violations of citizens’ rights without accountability. It urged the police to uphold their constitutional duty to protect lives, enforce the law without bias, and ensure no individual is shielded by political office.
The communiqué was signed by stakeholders who said they witnessed the disruption and experienced physical harassment. Signatories include Dr. Douglas Fabeke (OLI President), Elder Owen Vincent, Hon. Gonee Akpobari Sakpua, Elder Agbozi Gilbert, Elder Godwin Nkuenee, Comrade Dick Eppie, Zua Fyneface, Chief Monday Piitu, Chief Konee Bekee, and Elugbara Loveday.
