The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of police operatives from the local government areas of Rivers State.
The directive has already been carried out by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, in compliance with Egbetokun’s directive, according to a statement issued by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko.
The unsealing of the local government areas was carried out barely few hours after the swearing in of newly-elected local government chairman by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Recall that the sealing of the local government secretariat headquarters was carried out in July to stem the crisis that greeted the tenure extension of former local government area chairmen.
In the statement issued, the police spokesperson declared that the action was a manifestation of the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force.
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The police spokesperson said that police operatives would only be redeployed in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order.
The statement 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.
“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.”
