After a nationwide condemnation on his role in the concluded local government elections in Rivers state, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered for immediate Unsealing of Secretariats across the 23 LGAs in the state
A statement by the Police public relations officer, Rivers state Command, Grace Iringe-Koko on Monday said “in view of the recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha hereby conveys the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the Local Government Secretariats in the state.
“This decision is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions”.
Recall that in view of the crisis that broke out over the purported elongation of tenure of the former Council chairman loyal to the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and the subsequent appointment of caretaker committee chairman by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the IG ordered his personnel to seal up the Secretariats across the state
The development denied local government workers and the CTC chairman from gaining access to the council Secretariats to carry out their daily routine.
According to the statement, the IGP has ordered the unsealing of the Local Government Secretariats, which were earlier secured by police personnel.
The statement added that “the police will only be redeployed to these locations in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order, in which case emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy.
“The Rivers State Police Command assures the public of its readiness to maintain peace and order across the state and will continue to act professionally in discharging its duties. We urge all residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to evolve”.
The newly sworn-in 23 council chairman are expected to resume work in their respective LGAs today where they are also expected to swear -in the councillors.