Following the inauguration of the newly-elected chairmen of the local government in Rivers State, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate unsealing of the secretariats of the 23 local government areas in the state.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command, Grace Iringe-Koko on Monday.
Iringe-Koko, in a statement, said the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha was tasked with ensuring the withdrawal of all police personnel initially deployed to seal and safeguard the LGA secretariats.
“This decision aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and ensuring the smooth operation of democratic institutions,” the statement read.
The directive follows the political tension that erupted after the purported extension of tenure for former council chairmen loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a move that was countered by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appointment of caretaker committee (CTC) chairmen, leading the IGP to order the sealing of the secretariats.
This action prevented local government workers and the CTC chairmen from accessing the council secretariats and carrying out their daily duties.
The statement added, ”In light of the recent order to unseal the secretariats, police would only be redeployed to these locations in the event of a crisis or breakdown of law and order. Emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy if necessary.”
The state Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation evolves.
The newly sworn-in council chairmen are expected to resume work in their respective LGAs on Monday (today), where they will also swear in the newly elected councillors.
