Rivers State Braces for Mass Protest as CLO, CSOs Demand Police Withdrawal from Councils

Tensions are rising in Rivers State as the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) and over 40 civil society organizations (CSOs) threaten a mass anti-police protest if the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, does not withdraw officers from the 23 local government councils. The police deployment followed the tenure expiration of former council chairmen, causing the newly appointed caretaker chairmen to operate from alternative locations.

The deployment, ordered by Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu, has led to public outcry. CLO’s South-South Zonal Chairman, Comrade Enefaa Georgewill, described the police presence as an affront to the state’s dignity, demanding the officers vacate within seven days or face protests.

“We give the Nigerian Police a 7-day ultimatum which expires next Friday, June 28, 2024, to withdraw its men from the 23 secretariats across the local government areas of the state. We are at the moment consulting with all our affiliates and we are giving the police Command a time of grace to do the needful,” Georgewill stated.

The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has echoed these sentiments, urging the police to vacate the council premises to allow workers to perform their duties. NULGE Chairman, Comrade Clifford Paul, emphasized the disruption caused by the police siege and set a deadline of June 24, 2024, for police withdrawal.

Former APC Spokesman, Sogboye Eli, criticized the police action as “unlawful and unconstitutional,” arguing there was no court order justifying the siege. Amidst the turmoil, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, called for peace and urged youths to avoid violence. He expressed support for President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, amidst the political crisis between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Nwuche praised Wike’s infrastructural contributions both in Rivers State and Abuja, urging the community to support the current administration for further development.

Various community groups have rallied behind Nwuche, expressing loyalty and support for his leadership and the political efforts of Wike and Tinubu. Leaders highlighted Nwuche’s significant contributions to legislative progress and local development, reaffirming their commitment to his vision and the current government’s agenda.