By Onyeche Igwe
Rivers State Police has said they are aware of the brewing crisis in the state over the tenure expiration of the local government area chairmen in the state.
The Police Command added that its men were ready to tackle any situation that might arise.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olatunji Disu, declared his readiness to protect the lives and properties of the people of the state.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Disu warned individuals against taking the law into their hands. He stressed that anyone found doing so would face the full wrath of the law.
It was reported that there was tension across some of the 23 local government areas in Rivers state as the tenure of the council chairmen expires today, June 17, by midnight.
The tension was ignited by the decision of the LG chairmen in the state under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria to remain in office citing the Local Government Amendment Law No 2 of the 2024 by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 House of Assembly members extending their tenure by six months.
Reacting to the situation, Disu, the police boss, enjoined parents to caution their children against getting involved in the crisis.
The Police boss vowed that they would protect all government property and human life in the community and ensure a safe and secure environment for all throughout the period.
Disu said: “My job as a police policeman is to protect lives and properties. And that is what we have gone out to do since morning.
“We are aware of the crisis that has to do with the tenure of the Local Government Chairmen and we have gotten one court order or the other.”