The Inspector General of Police, IGP Baba Usman Alkali, has directed that all 17 Local Government Area secretariats in Plateau State be sealed.
A statement by Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP, Bartholomew Onyeka on Thursday disclosed that the measure was taken to avoid a breakdown in law and order after tension erupted over the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang’s choice of new leadership in the impacted council regions.
“This has become necessary as a result of tensions around the leadership of the local government areas and the possible threat that supporters and local government chairmen are posing to critical infrastructure, lives and properties in the state.
“The decision to take this action is in accordance with the exercise of our constitutional responsibility as the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure that the above doesn’t hold sway on the Plateau.
“To this end, the Nigeria Police Force on the Plateau cannot sit down and watch things go wrong under our watch, hence the need to make this critical decision of sealing up the local government secretariats”, the statement read.
The command warned that it will not take it lightly with anyone who tries to disrupt this process or cause any confusion around the Local Government Secretariats, as it will ensure that the law takes its full course on such persons.
The CP further commended the good people of Plateau State for their continued understanding and urged everyone to go about their lawful businesses as they all give peace a chance in Plateau.
Credible News recalls that Governor Mutfwang, suspended all the chairmen and councilors in the local government areas of the state to allow for investigations following allegations of financial impropriety leveled against them by the state legislature.
The governor replaced them with interim management committees, but the former council officials who were all members of the All Progressives Congress had rejected their suspension and vowed to remain in their offices.
