IGP Directs Personnel to Leave Rivers LGAs Immediately
The immediate withdrawal of police officers who were previously stationed to block off Rivers State’s 23 local government districts has been ordered by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
The Rivers State Command’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, made the announcement of this directive in a statement on Monday, October 7. The statement claims that the directive is in response to recent political events that have occurred in Rivers State.
“The newly deployed State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, conveyed the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the Local Government Secretariats in the state.”
The decision “is in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions,” the statement stressed.
It also made it clear that staff would only be moved back to such regions in the event of a crisis or breakdown in law and order, in which case emergency procedures would be promptly put in place to return things to normal.
The Rivers State Command reiterated its professional behaviour in performing its duties and reassured the public of its ongoing commitment to upholding peace and order throughout the state.
As the situation develops, locals and interested parties were asked to maintain composure and follow the law.
