Amid nationwide condemnation over his role in the recent local government elections in Rivers State, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate unsealing of secretariats across all 23 local government areas (LGAs).
The directive, conveyed in a statement by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, was issued on Monday. It noted that the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, is responsible for ensuring the withdrawal of police personnel initially assigned to secure 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 comes in the wake of political tension triggered by the disputed extension of tenure for former council chairmen loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Governor Siminalayi Fubara countered this by appointing caretaker committee (CTC) chairmen, prompting the IGP to order the sealing of the secretariats.
This action blocked local government workers and the CTC chairmen from accessing the secretariats to perform their duties.
Following the recent directive to unseal the secretariats, the statement clarified that police will only be redeployed in case of a crisis or any disruption of law and order. “Emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy if needed,” the statement said.
The Rivers State Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to peace and order, urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation unfolds.
The newly sworn-in council chairmen from the 23 LGAs are expected to assume their duties today and oversee the swearing-in of newly elected councillors.
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