The continued police siege on Rivers LG secretariats in Rivers State has drawn condemnation from the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), a coalition of 1,000 civil society groups.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Dr. Julius Bernard, TAN expressed dismay at the violation of the rule of law and the undermining of the judiciary’s authority.
The coalition highlighted the nullification of the tenure elongation of the former council chairmen by the state High Court and the dismissal of appeals challenging the decision. Despite these legal developments, the police have maintained a presence at the council secretariats, causing disruption to work and loss of productivity.
TAN called on the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to immediately withdraw the police from the council secretariats and respect the court’s judgment. They also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the withdrawal of the police. The coalition commended the Rivers State Government for swiftly inaugurating new caretaker chairpersons after the expiration of the previous officials’ tenure.
In addition, TAN applauded the Organised Labour’s efforts in calling for the withdrawal of the police from the council secretariats. They called on all well-meaning Nigerians to join them in condemning this attack on democracy and the rule of law.
