The Rivers State Police Command says it decided to ban political rallies in the state because of the need to check increasing political tension.

The state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had in a statement last night alleged that the action was aimed at sabotaging its membership registration drive starting this Friday.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, however, said: “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that as a result of increasing political tension in the state, the state Commissioner of Police has banned all political rallies in the state under whatever coloration or name.

“Accordingly, all public activities involving rallies of Grassroots Development Initiative, GDI; Save Rivers Movement, SRM; Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation, RIVLEAF and whatever other names, are hereby banned. Rivers State Police Command will not provide security for any group in whatever guise.

“Party membership drive is allowed strictly as stipulated in Electoral Act 2010 as amended and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, regulations, please.”

•Photo shows Rivers State Police Commissioner, Joseph Mbu.