The police have unsealed the secretariats of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State.
The commissioner of police in the state, Mr Bala Mustapha, announced this in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson for the State police command, Ms Grace Iringe-Koko
According to the statement, Mustapha ordered the immediate unsealing and withdrawal of police personnel from the council secretariats following a directive from the inspector general of police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.
The statement reads: “In light of recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, conveys the directives of the Inspector 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.
“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 assures the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the state and will continue to act professionally. We urge residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation unfolds.”
Recall that the secretariat complexes were sealed last July in the wake of the crisis that trailed the controversial tenure extension of the former chairmen.
The unsealing of the secretariats was also announced after the state governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara swore in the 23 newly elected council chairmen who won the local government election held last Saturday.
