The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Bala Mustapha, has ordered the immediate unsealing of the 23 Local Government Area (LGA) secretariats across the state. This comes following a directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at restoring normalcy in the state’s local governance.
The secretariats had been sealed since July, following a political crisis triggered by the controversial tenure extension of former LGA chairmen. However, just 24 hours after the swearing-in of newly elected LGA chairmen by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the police have officially reopened the facilities.
In a statement released on Monday, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the unsealing, stating that it was in full compliance with the IGP’s orders.
The decision to unseal the secretariats is seen as a positive step toward maintaining neutrality in the state’s political landscape. The Rivers Police Command stressed its dedication to ensuring the smooth operation of democratic institutions across the state.
“In light of recent political developments in Rivers State, CP Bala Mustapha, following the directives of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from all 23 LGA secretariats. This decision reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to neutrality and the seamless functioning of democratic institutions,” the statement read.
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While police personnel have been withdrawn from the secretariats, the command emphasized that officers will be redeployed in the event of any crisis or unrest. The police assured the public that emergency measures would be swiftly implemented to restore order if needed.
The Rivers State Police Command also called on residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the state transitions back to normalcy.
The 23 LGA secretariats were sealed off by the police in July amid a political standoff surrounding the extension of tenure for former local government chairmen. The closures had sparked tensions across the state, with police personnel stationed at the secretariats to maintain peace.
Now, with the newly elected chairmen in place and the facilities reopened, the state is poised for a new chapter in local governance.
