The Nigerian Police Force has ordered the unsealing of Local Government Councils in Rivers State.
The order followed the election and swearing in of new local government council officials at the weekend.
The Police had occupied the secretariats since the expiration of the tenure of council chairmen loyal to Wike in June.
The unsealing of the council secretariats alxo followed a backlash against the police in view of their role in the political imbroglio leading to the conduct of the local government council election in the state.
In a statement on Monday, the Police Command in the state said,
“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 continues to evolve” The statement signed by SP. Grace Iringe – Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the command added.
