The Rivers State Police Command has announced its decision to uphold court orders related to the local government elections set for this Saturday, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the electoral landscape.
This announcement was made through a statement from the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, titled ‘Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election.’ The statement highlighted the intricate legal challenges surrounding the elections and the police’s delicate position.
In the statement, the police confirmed they had received a restraining order explicitly forbidding them from providing security for the local government elections. This development intensifies the already tense atmosphere leading up to the polls.
Moreover, the Command acknowledged the September 30th, 2024 court ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which clearly prohibits police involvement in the electoral process. This ruling further complicates the situation, raising concerns about the safety and integrity of the forthcoming elections.
Tensions ran high as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rallied in Rivers on Thursday, demanding the immediate cancellation of the state’s local government elections. Their passionate protest highlighted the deep political divisions and underscored the urgency of adhering to legal mandates.
The police statement reiterated that guidance from the Force’s Legal Department emphasizes the importance of the September 30th ruling. It also acknowledged the vocal demands from the opposing PDP, who are calling for strict compliance with the court orders, reflecting the rising unrest among voters and prompting serious questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming election process.
Read Full Statement Below:
PROPOSED OCTOBER 5TH, 2024 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN ELECTION
The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming Local Government Election, particularly in light of recent court rulings.
On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the Local Government Election.
Additionally, on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment that again prohibited the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the Local Government Election.
Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.
Recently, an opposition party protested, calling for adherence to the court orders and expressing their determination to prevent any disregard for the law. The Nigeria Police Force encourages all parties to seek appropriate legal redress if they feel aggrieved by any decisions or actions related to the election process.
The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to maintaining law and order and will not stand idly by in the face of potential disturbances. Necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders. All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure full compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court.
In view of the above, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department to comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court dated September 30, 2024, which bars the Nigeria Police from allowing, participating in, providing security for, or taking part in the Rivers State Local Government Election on October 5, 2024. All other security agencies are also implored to comply with the Federal High Court judgment.
In light of these developments, the Nigeria Police Force calls on all citizens to remain peaceful and orderly and to cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during this crucial period.
GRACE IRINGE-KOKO (ANIPR),
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
RIVERS STATE
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND
OCTOBER 3 2024
