A group of protesters, comprising women and youth, took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Monday to protest the planned reopening of the 23 council secretariats sealed by the police.

The protesters believed to be supporters of the former council chairmen whose tenure expired on June 17th, marched through Azikiwe Road, carrying placards with various inscriptions.

The protesters are urging the Inspector General of Police to maintain peace and stability in Rivers State by ensuring that police officers secure all 23 local government council premises.

They also called on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to respect the rule of law, as the local government matter is still in court.

They are adamant that they will not accept any attempts by any other group to pressure the police to leave the council premises pending the court’s decision.

The protest comes as tensions rise over calls for the reopening of the council secretariats, which were sealed by the police following a court order.

However, the situation remains tricky with protesters vowing to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met and the outcome of the court case and the fate of the council secretariats remain uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has issued a warning regarding a planned protest by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) scheduled for June 24, 2024.

Police Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said while the Command acknowledges the right to peaceful assembly, it has received credible intelligence suggesting that the protest may be infiltrated by hoodlums aiming to cause chaos and destruction in the state.

However, the police are urging the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant to ensure the safety of all.

She said: “Consequently, the Command strongly advises the organizers to suspend the planned protest to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

The Police will take all necessary lawful measures to protect the lives and properties of every resident in Rivers State.

“The Command has vowed to apprehend and prosecute any person or group that attempts to disrupt the peace.”

Meanwhile, to guarantee the safety and security of the public, Iringe-Koko said the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has strategically deployed police officers to the secretariats of all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state.

She noted that the officers will maintain a visible presence in their assigned locations until the threat of disruption and chaos has been mitigated and the situation is deemed safe.