The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has broken his silence on the ongoing police barricade of local government secretariats in Rivers State.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on the sidelines of a conference with senior officers, IGP Egbetokun directed the continuation of the police presence at the secretariats to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The police boss stated that the barricade will remain in place until a court of competent jurisdiction delivers a judgment on the local government crisis in Rivers State.

IGP Egbetokun also addressed the controversy surrounding the recruitment of constables and the allegations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

He said the police force will not compromise on its standards.

Recall that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in response to the recent sealing of the 23 local government councils by the police, on Wednesday, directed the councils to operate from alternative secretariats.

The governor had inaugurated caretaker chairmen, however, they have been prevented from accessing their offices by security operatives.

The tension in Rivers State escalated following a clash on Tuesday between supporters of Governor Fubara and those of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Federal Capital Territory Minister.