The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate removal of police personnel stationed at the secretariats of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Bala Mustapha, has also ordered the unsealing of all 23 local government secretariats across the state without delay.
In a statement on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the move was in strict compliance with the IGP’s directive.
This development comes just 24 hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara swore in the newly elected chairmen, following Saturday’s local government elections.
It is worth noting that the secretariats had been sealed since July, due to tensions surrounding the controversial tenure extension of the previous chairmen.
During this period, law enforcement officers were deployed to ensure the security of the facilities amid the political crisis.
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The Command emphasized that this action underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to political impartiality and the effective functioning of democratic institutions.
The statement read, “In light of recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, conveys the directives of the Inspect or General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously stationed to secure the Local Government Secretariats.”
“This decision reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s stance on neutrality and its dedication to ensuring the uninterrupted operation of democratic institutions,” the statement continued. “Police personnel will only be redeployed in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order. In such cases, emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy.”
The Rivers State Police Command assured the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the state, urging residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation unfolds.
“We urge all residents and stakeholders to maintain calm and continue observing the law as events progress,” the statement concluded.
