The local government secretariats were sealed in June due to disagreements between the caretaker committee chairmen, loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the former local government chairmen, loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Bala Mustapha, has conveyed directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from all 23 local government areas in the state.
The local government secretariats were sealed in June due to disagreements between the caretaker committee chairmen, loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the former local government chairmen, loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
On Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the police withdrawal.
Koko explained, “The decision was in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.”
She added, “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.”
Koko also reassured the public, saying, “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.”
On Sunday, Governor Fubara swore in 23 newly elected local government chairmen.
Last Friday, the governor accused the Inspector General of Police of having bias towards his political opponents.
The allegation was however denied by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.