Rivers State Police Unseal Local Government Secretariats as Newly Elected Chairmen Assume Office
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Rivers State Police Command has officially unsealed all local government secretariats across the state, paving the way for the newly elected chairmen to assume office.
The secretariats had been sealed since June due to a political power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Governor’s former political ally.
This development follows the successful conduct of local government elections last Saturday, organised by Governor Fubara, despite efforts by Wike to prevent the polls. The elected chairmen were sworn into office on Sunday by the Governor, marking the end of a prolonged deadlock that saw caretaker chairmen working from alternative offices during the crisis.
In a statement released this morning by the Rivers State Police Command, the decision to unseal the secretariats was confirmed. The statement, signed by newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, conveyed the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the withdrawal of police personnel stationed at the secretariats.
“In line with recent political developments in Rivers State, the Inspector General of Police has directed the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel deployed to secure the Local Government Secretariats,” the statement read. “This decision underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.”
The police assured the public that officers would only be redeployed to the secretariats in the event of a crisis or threat to law and order. The statement further urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, as the police remain vigilant in maintaining peace across the state.
The unsealing of the secretariats marks a significant step in resolving the political tensions that have gripped Rivers State in recent months.
