Police unseal Rivers councils, as arsonists set Eleme, Ikwerre secretariats ablaze
By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
Barely a few hours after the Police High Command ordered the unsealing of the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, following the successful conduct of the local government election, it was gathered that some council headquarters were torched by suspected arsonists, believed to be sponsored by aggrieved politicians.
Notable among the affected councils include Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Eleme, Emohua and Ahoada East local government areas.
Meanwhile police in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has withdrawn her men and officers who have been laying siege at the 23 local government areas at the wake of the political crises in the State, occasioned by the feud between the Governor, Sir Siminailayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,his estranged political godfather.
Nigerian NewsDirect gathered that Wike and the factional All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman, Tony Okocha have concluded arrangements to challenge last Saturday’s local government election in Rivers State in court.
In a press statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Rivers State Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the withdrawal of the police officers from the councils is with immediate effect.
“In view of the recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha hereby convey the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the Local Government Secretariats in the state.
“This decision is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
“Consequently, the IGP has ordered the unsealing of the Local Government Secretariats, which were earlier secured by police personnel. The police will only be redeployed to these locations in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order, in which case emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy.
“The Rivers State Police Command assures the public of its readiness to maintain peace and order across the state and will continue to act professionally in discharging its duties. We urge all residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to evolve,” the statement said.
