IGP Gives Order for Immediate Withdrawal of Police Personnels from Rivers LGAs

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive for the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the secretariats of the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in Rivers State.

This decision was confirmed by Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, and was conveyed by the newly appointed State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha.

The police officers had been stationed at these locations since June to "seal and safeguard" the secretariats amid escalating political tensions between factions loyal to Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and those aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The deployment followed a crisis triggered by the controversial tenure extension of former chairmen, which led to the sealing of the LGA headquarters in July.

The IGP's order aligns with the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to maintaining neutrality and ensuring the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.

The withdrawal comes shortly after Governor Fubara swore in 23 newly elected local government chairpersons, following Saturday’s local government elections. Previously, Governor Fubara had accused the IGP of being influenced by Wike, a claim that the police denied.

The political rift between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike continues to cause friction within the state. However, the police have assured the public of their dedication to maintaining peace and order, stating that officers will only return if there is a crisis or breakdown of law and order.