The Rivers State Police Command has announced that it will not participate in the upcoming local government election scheduled for October 5, 2024, following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja. The court had issued a judgment prohibiting the police and other security agencies from providing security during the election.
This decision comes in response to growing concerns and protests from political leaders and supporters in the state. On Wednesday, a group of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, led by the party’s state chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, staged a protest.
The protesters marched to the offices of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Rivers State Police Command, demanding that the agencies respect the court’s ruling and stay away from the election. During the protest, Chukwuemeka submitted a petition and a copy of the court judgment to the officials of both agencies.
In a statement released on Thursday, Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, emphasized that the police will fully comply with the court order. She noted that the Force Legal Department had carefully reviewed the court’s judgment from both July 19, 2024, and September 30, 2024, and directed the police to adhere to the rulings.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming local government election, particularly in the 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.”
It added, “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.”
