The Rivers State Police Command says it will not be participating in the upcoming local government election on October 5, 2024.
The Police action is sending a spectre of fear across the state, even as a defiant governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dared the Police over its meddlesomeness in the election, sending a strong warning to the Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, to check himself.
Reports from Port Harcourt said security operatives in Rivers State successfully foiled an attempted theft of sensitive electoral materials from the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) early Friday morning.
It was learnt that when some persons in Police uniforms were seen attempting to breach the security of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) building where voting materials were kept, a call was routed to the Government House.
The governor rushed to the RSIEC with his team of officials, spitting fire on the Inspector-General and others he did not name. Many believe he was referring to his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his allies.
Government officials and others are presently standing guard at RSIEC building to protect electoral materials.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed the Police position in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
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.”
