Dr Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police has ordered immediate withdrawal of police operatives from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Recall that the 23 LG secretariat were sealed in June over a political face-off between the Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the immediate past local government chairmen, loyal to the controversial FCT Minister, Barrister Nysom Wike.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Rivers state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko said the newly deployed commissioner of police in the state, CP Bala Mustapha, transmitted the directives of the Inspector General of Police for the immediate pulling out of all police officers previously drafted to seal and safeguard the secretariat.
The police image maker said the decision was 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 Secretariat, 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
The development comes few hours after Governor Fubara swore in the newly elected chairmen.
The governor had accused the IGP of taking sides with his opponents, an allegation the police denied while cautioning politicians to be mindful of their utterances.
