Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Rivers State Police Command has ordered the unsealing of all Local Government Area (LGA) secretariats across the state, following directives from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM. This move comes in the wake of heightened political tensions in the state after a controversial election that saw the little-known African People’s Party (APP) secure 22 out of 23 council seats.
In a press release made available to Truth Live News by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Bala Mustapha, conveyed the IGP’s instructions for the immediate withdrawal of police officers who had been stationed to safeguard the secretariats. According to the statement, the decision aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintain neutrality and ensure the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
The unsealing of the secretariats signals an attempt by the police to de-escalate the situation amid growing concerns over the role of security forces in political matters. The secretariats were initially sealed following accusations of electoral malpractices and rising tensions over the APP’s unexpected victory.
“The police will only be redeployed to these locations if there is a crisis or breakdown of law and order,” the statement emphasized, assuring the public that emergency measures would be swiftly implemented if necessary.
Despite the police’s attempt to remain neutral, the withdrawal of personnel has drawn mixed reactions. Some see it as a responsible decision aimed at preserving peace, while others worry it could leave the local government secretariats vulnerable to further political unrest.
The unsealing of the LGA secretariats and the withdrawal of police personnel suggest a balancing act by the Nigeria Police Force to distance itself from the ongoing political dispute in Rivers State. While the move is likely intended to restore calm and demonstrate neutrality, it raises concerns about the security vacuum it might create, especially in a politically volatile environment.
Public sentiment could sway depending on how well the police manage future disruptions, should they arise. The ongoing controversy over the APP’s election victories remains a key point of contention, with many questioning the transparency of the process.