The police in Rivers State have called on the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to suspend its planned protest over the closure of 23 local government council secretariats, citing credible intelligence reports of potential hijacking by hoodlums.
In a statement issued by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s Public Relations Officer in Port Harcourt, the police expressed respect for the right to lawful assembly but highlighted concerns about potential infiltration of the planned protest on Monday.
“The police command has received credible intelligence indicating that hoodlums plan to hijack the protest and instigate chaos in the state,” Iringe-Koko stated. “Consequently, the command advises the organisers to suspend the planned protest to avert any possible breakdown of law and order.”
Iringe-Koko affirmed the police’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents and warned of the imminent arrest and prosecution of anyone or groups attempting to disturb the peace.
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 police spokesperson urged residents to carry on with their daily activities without fear, as the police have implemented tactical measures to guarantee their safety.
Governor Siminalaye Fubara, in a state-wide broadcast on June 20, dissolved the councils, citing provisions of the Nigerian Constitution regarding the tenure of local government administration. He directed the heads of administration in the councils to immediately take charge of the councils’ affairs and ordered an audit of the councils. Caretaker committees have since been appointed and are operating outside the councils’ secretariats due to their takeover by the police.
However, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on June 22 that the police would not vacate the secretariats until the courts give a final judgment on the tenure of the chairmen.
