Police urge Rivers LG workers to cancel planned protest

Police in Rivers have called on the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to suspend its planned protest against the closure of 23 local government secretariats, citing credible intelligence reports of a possible impeachment by gangsters.

The police announced this in a statement by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command.

“The police respect the right to lawful assembly but have received credible intelligence indicating a possible infiltration of the planned protests on Monday. Gangsters are planning to hijack the protests and create chaos in the state.

“Consequently, the command advises the organizers to cancel the planned protest in order to avert a possible breakdown of law and order,” she said.

Ms Iringe-Koko reiterated the police’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents.

It threatened imminent arrest and prosecution of any person or group attempting to disturb the peace.

“To ensure public safety, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed officers to the 23 local government secretariats to maintain security until the threat of disruption has passed.

“Extensive security measures have been put in place to protect lives and property and ensure unhindered flow of traffic and lawful activities throughout the state,” she added.

The spokeswoman urged residents to go about their daily activities without fear as police have taken tactical measures to ensure their safety.

Governor Siminalaye Fubara dissolved the councils in a national address on June 20, citing the Nigerian Constitution’s provisions on the term of office of local government administration.

He instructed the heads of the councils’ administration to take over the councils’ affairs immediately.

The governor, who also ordered an audit of the councils’ accounts, has now set up interim committees to work outside the council secretariats, as these have been taken over 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 had made a final judgment on the chairperson’s tenure.

(NAN)