The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the immediate withdrawal of its personnel from the 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State.
This directive, given by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, in a statementbon Monday takes effect immediately.
Recall that the police had sealed off the secretariats in June following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appointment of caretaker committee chairmen to oversee the local councils.
The move sparked tensions in the state, with Governor Fubara accusing the police of taking sides with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
However, in a statement released on Monday, the Rivers State Police Command announced the withdrawal of police personnel from the secretariats. The decision aims to ensure the police force’s neutrality and allow democratic institutions to function smoothly.
Police presence will only be reinstated in case of a crisis or breakdown of law and order. The Rivers State Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state.
Governor Fubara’s administration can now proceed with the local government caretaker committees without police obstruction. The development is seen as a positive step towards resolving the political crisis in Rivers State.
“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 continues to evolve”, she stated.
