Police Reopen Rivers State LG Secretariats Amidst Political Tensions
Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate reopening of local government secretariats in all 23 local government areas of Rivers State . This directive was announced by the Rivers State Police Command's spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, and is aimed at ensuring the proper functioning of democratic institutions.
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, will oversee the withdrawal of police personnel previously deployed to secure the secretariats. However, police officers may return if there's a threat of unrest or breakdown of law and order, in which case emergency measures will be taken to restore peace.
This development comes after political tensions arose in the state due to the alleged extension of tenure of former council chairmen loyal to FCT Minister and former governor, Nyesom Wike. Governor Siminalayi Fubara had challenged this extension and appointed caretaker committee chairmen in their place. The police sealing of the secretariats had prevented workers and committee chairmen from performing their duties, and the situation escalated when police attempted to halt Saturday's council elections.
With the secretariats now reopened, the newly inaugurated 23 council chairmen are expected to assume their duties and swear in the newly elected councilors. The Rivers State Police Command has reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and has urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
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