Police Chief Orders Rapid Unsealing of Rivers LGAs Amid Tensions Over Election Crisis
Amid growing public outrage and accusations of political interference in the local government elections in Rivers State, Nigeria, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has issued an urgent order for the immediate withdrawal of police personnel and the unsealing of all 23 local government secretariats across the state.
The decision comes after a politically charged election that saw the replacement of council chairmen loyal to the former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, with caretaker committees appointed by current Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The police had sealed off the secretariats, barring entry to local government staff and the newly appointed caretaker chairmen.
The IGP’s order follows extensive criticism and a backlash from political figures, civil rights groups, and the general public, who condemned the police involvement as part of a larger power struggle. The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, announced the new directive, noting that the commissioner of police in Rivers State, CP Bala Mustapha, will ensure the swift withdrawal of the officers.
This move is seen as a necessary step toward calming tensions, as political clashes threatened to disrupt governance at the local level. The police assured the public that they would remain committed to maintaining peace and order, but officers will only be redeployed in the event of a security threat.
The newly appointed council chairmen are expected to resume duties today, marking the end of a tumultuous episode in Rivers State’s local governance.
Peoplesmind