The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered withdrawal of policemen from the sealed local government headquarters in Rivers State, apparently to pave way for resumption into offices by the newly elected council chairmen.
Penpushing reports that it is recalled that the police had earlier on June 18,2024 announced the sealing of the 23 council secretariats in the state to forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
The Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement said the Inspector General of Police gave the order of police withdrawal from the council secretariats through the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bala Mustapha.
Penpushing further reports that the withdrawal came after over 100 days the police operatives manned the local government councils in the heat of the violent political crisis traced to immediate past Governor Nyemson Wike and his successor Governor Siminalayi Fubara
The police spokesperson in Rivers, explained on Monday morning, that the withdrawal was in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
Penpushing also reports that Iringe-Koko added that the police only be redeployed to the local government areas 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 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’, Iringe-Koko said.
Penpushing reports that the police spokesperson in the statement urged Rivers state residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to evolve, with assurance of police readiness to maintain peace and order
“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, the police command image maker stated
Penpushing further reports that it is recalled that election into the 23 council areas were held on Saturday, which produced new 23 chairmen, who were subsequently sworn-in on Sunday by the Governor
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