The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of police officers from the 23 local government council secretariates in Rivers.
The council offices were sealed in June 2024, following a dispute over the appointment of Caretaker Committee Chairmen by the River’s State governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Tensions escalated when Mr Fubara opposed an ‘illegal’ tenure extension granted to the former council chairmen by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.
Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, who is the spokesperson of the Police Command in Rivers, announced the withdrawal of police personnel in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, October 7, 2024.
“The IGP’s withdrawal of all personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the council secretariates was conveyed by the new Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Bala Mustapha,” Mrs Iringe-Koko said.
She further explained that the decision reflects the police’s commitment to neutrality and supporting the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
“However, police operatives will be redeployed to these locations in the event of any crises or breakdown of law and order,” she added.
Mrs Koko-Iringe urged residents and politicians to remain calm and law-abiding.