It was yet another victory for Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara as the police command this Monday morning, October 7, 2024, received a signal to unseal all the local government secretariats.

This will pave the way for the LG chairmen elected on Saturday and sworn-in yesterday by Governor Fubara to assume duties at their various offices. The caretaker chairmen appointed by Fubara were forced to work from alternative offices after the police sealed and barricaded the LG secretariats in June following the lingering power struggle between Fubara and his estranged political godfather, FCT Minister Nyeom Wike. Fubara organised last weekend?s LG polls despite efforts by Wike to ensure that they did not hold.

News of the decision to unseal the LG secretariats was conveyed via a statement issued this morning by the Rivers State Police Command. It reads:

?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.?

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