Bala Mustapha, the Rivers State Police Commissioner, has ordered the immediate reopening of all 23 local government secretariats in the state.
This action was taken after a directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun was given
The decision was announced on Monday by Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command. She noted that the unsealing of the secretariats aligns with the orders from the IGP. The move comes just a day after Governor Siminalayi Fubara inaugurated newly elected local government chairmen who were elected during the weekend’s polls.
It is important to recall that in July, the police had sealed the 23 local government headquarters in response to the political crisis that erupted after the controversial extension of the former chairmen’s tenure. During the period of closure, the secretariats were guarded by police personnel.
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The Rivers State Police Command clarified that this recent decision aligns with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to remain neutral and ensure the proper functioning of democratic institutions.
The statement from the police reads: “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.”
The statement further emphasized that police officers would only be redeployed if there was a breakdown of law and order. In such cases, the police would take immediate steps to restore peace.
“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,” the statement concluded.
