The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the immediate unsealing of all Local Government Secretariats in Rivers State. This comes amid heightened political developments in the state, following a directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM. The announcement was made by the newly deployed Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, on Monday, October 7, 2024.
In compliance with the IGP’s orders, all police personnel who had been stationed to secure the Local Government Secretariats are to be withdrawn with immediate effect. The decision underscores the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to maintaining neutrality and ensuring the smooth operation of democratic institutions in the state, especially as the political atmosphere in Rivers continues to evolve.
The secretariats had earlier been sealed off and secured by law enforcement following the conclusion of the controversial local government elections, which saw sweeping victories for the Action Peoples Party (APP) and a shock win for the Action Alliance (AA) in Etche. Amid rising political tension and allegations of manipulation, the police had been deployed to maintain order and safeguard the secretariats.
However, in a bid to restore normalcy and de-escalate tensions, the IGP has now called for their immediate unsealing. According to the police statement, officers will only be redeployed to the secretariats in the event of a crisis or any breakdown of law and order. The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore peace if necessary.
Speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer, reiterated the force's readiness to uphold peace across the state. "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," Iringe-Koko said in the official statement.
The command further urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to evolve. Political observers and stakeholders have been keeping a close watch on Rivers State, following the recent local government elections, which have been marred by protests and political discord in certain areas.
This development is expected to ease tensions and allow the Local Government Secretariats to resume normal operations.
