The Rivers State Police Command has reopened all 23 Local Government Area (LGA) Secretariats in the state following the recent election and swearing-in of new chairmen.
In a statement issued Monday morning, the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the order was given by the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Bala, on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. The statement read, “CP Mustapha Bala has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel stationed at the council secretariats, following the IGP’s instructions.”
The secretariats were originally sealed in June due to a dispute between the Caretaker Committee Chairmen, who were aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the former LGA chairmen, who were loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development followed the swearing-in of 23 newly elected LGA chairmen by Governor Fubara at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday. The election, organized by the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC), was held a day prior, marking a new chapter in the state’s local government leadership.
Read Full Statement Below:
POLICE ORDERS UNSEALING OF LGA SECRETARIATS, WITHDRAWAL OF DEPLOYED PERSONNEL WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
In view of the recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha hereby convey 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.
Consequently, the IGP has ordered the unsealing of the Local Government Secretariats, which were earlier secured by police personnel. 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 evolves.
GRACE IRINGE-KOKO (ANIPR),
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND.
FOR: THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
OCTOBER 7, 2024
