The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate unsealing and withdrawal of policemen from 23 council secretariats in Rivers State.
This is coming as the newly elected council Chairmen from last Saturday’s local government elections assume office today (Monday) across the state.
IGP’s directive was contained in a statement by the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, on Monday morning following the outcome of council polls.
According to the statement issued by the Rivers Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the directive was to allow democratically elected council chairmen to operate without interference.
The IGP maintained that the police would continue to remain neutral in the political crisis in the state.
“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 added.
