By: Felix Ikpotor
The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the reopening of the sealed 23 local government council headquarters in Rivers State.
The directed was conveyed by the newly posted Commissioner of Police in the state Bala Mustapha.
A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Grace Iringe-Koko said the directive was in line with the police’s commitment to maintain neutrality and ensure functionality of democratic institutions in the country.
The statement said: “In view of the recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha hereby convey the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the Local Government Secretariats in the state.
“This decision is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions”.
The statement added that the police would only be redeployed to these locations in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order, in which case emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy.
The Rivers State Police Command further assured the public of its readiness to maintain peace and order across the state, saying that it will continue to act professionally in discharging its duties, urging all residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to evolve.
