The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Okoro Julius-Alawari, has ordered the reopening of all 17 Local Government Council Secretariats, two months after they were sealed off.
The state police had closed the secretariats in early July, in response to Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s removal of all chairmen and councillors of the local councils.
This move by the governor led to legal challenges and heightened tensions, prompting the police to seal off the secretariats.
A press statement issued by the police command’s spokesperson, DSP Alfred Alabo on behalf of CP Julius-Alawari indicated that the decision to reopen the offices aims to enable democratically elected chairmen and councillors to resume their administrative duties effectively.
The statement goes on to say that in a bid to ensure smooth operation of the 17 Local Government Secretariats, the Police High Command reviewed the situation and directed the Plateau State Police Commissioner to unseal the offices of the Local Government Council Chairmen and Councillors.
The elected Council Chairmen and Councillors can now carry out their duties without impediment while their court case is ongoing. It was also conveyed in the statement that the 17 chairmen throughout the state will have access to their offices and will recommence work on Monday, August 28.
