The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed that the barricade of all local government secretariats in Rivers State be continued amidst the ongoing political tension. This comes after a clash between supporters of the governor and his predecessor, resulting in the death of a policeman and a local security outfit member.
Egbetokun stated that the police presence is to ensure peace and order, not to intimidate anyone. He emphasized that the police will not leave the headquarters until a court judgment is made on the controversy surrounding the tenure of local government council chairmen in the state.
The police boss also addressed the recent controversy surrounding police constable recruitment, highlighting the rigorous standards expected of officers and the need to recruit suitable individuals. He acknowledged the power of the Police Service Commission to recruit for the police and emphasized that the police management is cautious in its recruitment process.
The Rivers State Police Command had taken over all council headquarters to prevent further bloodshed and breakdown of law and order. The Commissioner for Police, Olatunji Disu, confirmed that the LG council headquarters would remain shut for the time being due to the clash between feuding parties.
