Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Rivers State Police Command has called on the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to suspend its planned protest over the closure of 23 local government council secretariats. The police cited credible intelligence indicating potential hijacking by hoodlums as the reason for this advisory.
Youths Destroy Wike’s Statue at the Obio-Akpor LG Secretariat.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokeswoman, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police emphasized their respect for the right to lawful assembly but expressed concerns over the potential for violence.
“The police command respects the right to lawful assembly but has received credible intelligence indicating potential infiltration of the planned protest on Monday. Hoodlums plan to hijack the protest and instigate chaos in the state,” Iringe-Koko said.
The police advised the organizers to suspend the protest to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order. The statement reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents and warned that any attempts to disturb the peace would be met with arrests and prosecutions.
“In an effort to ensure public safety, the commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed officers to the 23 local government council secretariats to maintain security until the risk of disruption ceases. Comprehensive security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property, ensuring unhindered traffic flow and lawful activities across the state,” the statement added.
Residents were urged to continue their daily activities without fear, as the police have implemented tactical measures to guarantee their safety.
The closure of the local government councils follows a directive from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who dissolved the councils on June 20, citing the Nigerian Constitution’s provisions on the tenure of local government administration. He directed the heads of administration to take charge and ordered an audit of the councils.
In response to the governor’s actions, caretaker committees were appointed but have been operating outside the council secretariats due to the police presence. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated on June 22 that the police would not vacate the secretariats until a court ruling on the tenure of the council chairmen is made.
