Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has mandated the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the 23 local government areas in Rivers State. This decision follows the sealing of local government secretariats in June due to tensions between Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former local government chairmen associated with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

On Monday, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, announced that the new Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, conveyed the IGP’s directive for the withdrawal of all officers previously assigned to secure the secretariats.

Iringe-Koko highlighted that this move underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions. She stated, “The IGP has ordered the unsealing of the Local Government Secretariats, which were earlier secured by police personnel. Police will only be redeployed in cases of crisis or law and order breakdown, implementing emergency measures to restore normalcy.”

The Rivers State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to maintaining peace and order and promised to act professionally in carrying out its duties. The public and stakeholders were encouraged to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation evolves. This announcement follows Governor Fubara’s swearing-in of newly elected chairmen, during which he accused the IGP of favoring his opponents claims that the police have denied, advising politicians to exercise caution in their statements.