The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel previously deployed to seal off the 23 local government areas of Rivers State
The secretariat offices were officially sealed in June due to a disagreement that arose between two different groups of leaders. On one side were the Chairmen of the Caretaker Committee, who were supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. On the other side were the immediate past local government chairmen, who were loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. This conflict highlighted a division in political loyalty and has had a significant impact on the local governance structure in the region.
This important directive was made public on Monday through a statement released by Grace Iringe-Koko, who serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Command of the police. In the statement, she provided details about the situation and the steps that were being taken in response to the ongoing political tension in Rivers State.
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According to this announcement, the order for sealing the secretariats is a reaction to the recent political issues that have come to light in the state. The newly appointed State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, was the one who communicated these directives following the instructions of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. He confirmed that there would be an immediate withdrawal of all police personnel who have been assigned to seal off and protect the Local Government Secretariats throughout the state.
The statement further highlighted that this decision was made to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral and to promote the smooth operation of democratic institutions in the area. The emphasis on neutrality is vital in maintaining order and preventing any biases that could interfere with the democratic processes within the local government.