NPF Orders Personnel to Reopen and Vacate Rivers LG Secretariats

Police officers stationed at local government secretariats across Rivers State have been instructed to vacate and reopen the premises immediately. This is after an election in which the state government accused the Police of attempting to disrupt.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, directed the state’s Commissioner of Police to withdraw all personnel from Local Government secretariats. He is yet to deny the allegation of meddling.

The order to withdraw personnel was confirmed in a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko. 

In light of recent political developments in Rivers State, Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, has relayed instructions from IGP Kayode Egbetokun for the immediate withdrawal of all officers previously stationed to secure the Local Government Secretariats in the state, the statement read.

The statement further explained that the move aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to remain neutral and support the smooth operation of democratic processes. 

“Police personnel will only return to the secretariats if there is a security crisis or a threat to public order, in which case necessary measures will be promptly implemented to restore peace,” it added.

The Rivers State Police Command reassured the public of its continued efforts to maintain peace and order throughout the state, urging residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation develops.

The withdrawal of Police personnel follows Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s swearing-in of newly elected local government chairmen after the contentious elections held on Saturday, October 5.

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Oluwatobi Odeyinka

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