Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has directed the immediate unsealing of local government secretariats across Rivers State.
The decision follows widespread public outcry over the involvement of the police in the aftermath of the recent local government elections in the state.
The announcement was made in a statement by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, on Monday.
Advertorial
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, CP Bala Mustapha, has been tasked with overseeing the withdrawal of police personnel initially stationed to secure the 23 local government secretariats.
The police command emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to maintaining neutrality and supporting the functioning of democratic institutions.
This latest directive comes after a period of political friction stemming from a controversy over local government leadership in the state.
Advertorial
The conflict began when the tenure of local council chairmen, who were allies of the current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, was reportedly extended.
This decision was opposed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who subsequently appointed caretaker committee (CTC) chairmen.
In response, the IGP ordered the temporary sealing of the secretariats, effectively barring both local government workers and the CTC chairmen from accessing the offices.
With the recent order to unseal the secretariats, the police have confirmed they will only return if there is a threat to public safety or a breakdown of law and order.
Advertorial
The police reassured the public that any future emergencies would be swiftly managed to restore normalcy.
As the situation stabilizes, the newly sworn-in 23 council chairmen are expected to assume their duties, with councillors being sworn in across the state’s local government areas.
The Rivers State Police Command has called on residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the situation unfolds.
