Police unseal Plateau council secretariats

The Plateau State Police Command, on Tuesday, unsealed the 17 Local Government Council secretariats which have been under lock and key for over two months.

The Police, however, said the offices of Council Chairmen remained sealed until the determination of their court case.

Newsmen recalls that the council chairmen in the State were suspended by the State Governor two months ago, following a recommendation by the State House of Assembly; and were replaced by Caretaker Committee chairmen.Following their suspension, the chairmen approached the court to seek justice, and the matter is yet to be determined.

As a result of tension in some of the Councils due to the suspension, the immediate past Inspector General of Police, ordered the sealing of the 17 Council secretariats in the State.

While announcing the unsealing of the Council secretariats, the Commissioner of Police in the State, Okoro Alawari, after a closed door meeting with relevant stakeholders, stated that the 17 Local Government Council Secretariats would be reopened for Local Government personnel to go in and carry out their duties.

He said, “However, the offices of the Local Government Chairmen remain sealed pending the determination of the case by the court.

“I therefore advise all aggrieved parties to pursue their case in the court.”

He also went further to order all the men stationed at the secretariat gates to withdraw and restrict themselves only to the offices of the Local Government Chairmen.

Alawari warned that, “security operatives would deal decisively with any person or group of persons who may want to cause a breach of the peace currently being enjoyed in the State, in accordance with the laws of the land.

“We want to assure residents of this State of our commitment towards maintaining the security of the State by ensuring the protection of lives and properties of all citizens.”