New CP Tightens Security as He Inspects Rivers LG Secretariats

Rivers State’s new Commissioner of Police conducts an inspection of LG Secretariats, ensuring tight security amid growing tensions in the state.

On Wednesday, the new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mustapha Bala, conducted inspection visits to several local government council secretariats that were impacted by Monday’s violence.

The inspection occurred following a meeting with Chijioke Ihunwo at the Obio/Akpor council in Rumuodumaya.

He visited Emohua to witness the destruction firsthand, and then proceeded to Isiokpo in the Ikwerre LGA, followed by a visit to Eleme local government.

In a video, Bala was observed surrounded by unarmed civilians and armed security personnel as he toured various secretariats.

This development follows a period of intense political violence and tension in the state that received significant media coverage.

Violent clashes broke out in at least four local government areas. Portions of buildings in the Eleme, Ikwerre, and Emohua council premises were set on fire, while sporadic gunfire was reported in Ahoada East as a means to resist the new council officials.

The commissioner of police withdrew the officers assigned to secure the 23 council secretariats, leading to their subsequent burning.

Despite the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the police to withdraw from participating in selecting new local government chairmen, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was adamant that the election take place on Saturday.

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Following an exercise conducted under heightened tension, the Action People’s Party (APP) secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions in the oil-rich state, with the remaining seat going to the Action Alliance (AA).

On Sunday, Fubara officiated the swearing-in ceremony for the 23 newly elected local government chairmen in Rivers State. However, on Monday, several of these officials faced attacks as they assumed office, and some council secretariats were set ablaze by political adversaries.

Rivers Government Establishes Committee

The Rivers State Government has established a judicial inquiry to investigate the arson, killings, and other acts of violence that have taken place in the state.

In response to the attacks, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara pledged to take firm action against those responsible for burning down three local government secretariats.

He committed to ensuring that this incident, unlike previous ones, will not be overlooked. His administration will work together with security agencies to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Dr. Tammy Danagogo from the Office of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, it was announced that establishing the judicial committee is in accordance with Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Law, Cap 30, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999.

The statement announced that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has authorized the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the arson attacks, killings, and extensive property destruction at certain Local Government Council Headquarters around Monday, October 7th ,2024.