Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, has ordered the immediate reopening of the secretariats for the state’s 23 local government areas, following a directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
In a statement issued on Monday by the State Police Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the decision was confirmed as a response to the IGP’s instructions. The reopening comes just a day after Governor Siminalayi Fubara inaugurated the newly elected local government chairmen from Saturday’s elections.
It is important to note that the police had sealed off the LGA secretariats in July amid a crisis stemming from the controversial tenure extension of the former chairmen. During this period, police personnel were stationed at the facilities.
The command emphasized that the unsealing is in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to maintaining neutrality and ensuring the smooth operation of democratic institutions.
The statement read, “In light of recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, conveys the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously stationed to secure the Local Government Secretariats.
“This decision reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s stance on neutrality and its dedication to ensuring the uninterrupted operation of democratic institutions.
“Police personnel will only be redeployed in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order. In such cases, emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy.
“The Rivers State Police Command assures the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the state and will continue to act professionally. We urge residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation unfolds.”
