Rivers: IGP orders withdrawal of operatives from LG secretariats

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Bala Mustapha, has directed the immediate withdrawal of all operatives assigned to seal the 23 local government secretariats in the state.

This directive aligns with the decision made by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The announcement was communicated in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko.

The statement reads: “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.

READ ALSO: Rivers crisis : NJC asked to sanction judges issuing frivolous court orders

“This decision is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.

“Consequently, the IGP has ordered the unsealing of the Local Government Secretariats, which were earlier secured by police personnel. The police will 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 assures the public of its readiness to maintain peace and order across the state and will continue to act professionally in discharging its duties. We urge all residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to evolve”.