Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has said he will make every necessary sacrifice to ensure a successful conduct of the Saturday’s local government council election in the state.
Fubara told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Friday that the scheduled local government council election was in compliance with a judgment of the Supreme Court.
The governor said that no court had the right to thwart a judgement of the nation’s apex court, saying, ‘we can only obey’
He said it was important for the police and other law enforcement agencies to support the exercise in order to institute the government at the third tier level.
Fubara said that other states of the federation had been complying with judgement and that the case of Rivers should not be different.
“Other states are already conducting elections in compliance with the judgement and the understanding we reached with the president,” he said.
He said that he got a security report earlier on Friday that the Rivers State Electoral Commission’s office had been invaded by police personnel.
“I was really surprised because before that time, I got a copy of a signal withdrawing police officers from the premises.
“So, I had to drive to the place myself since the facility belongs to the Rivers State Government.
“On arrival, I met some fierce looking policemen in one truck and three other empty vans trying to force their way into the premises.
“This is not good. This is a legitimate process that every concerned organ of government should support,’‘ he said.
Fubara urged Rivers people not to be intimidated but to remain law abiding and peaceful during the election.
Recall that there was a Federal High Court ruling barring the Police from.participating in the River LG poll.
The Nigeria Police, River State Command had said it would take steps to enforce the Federal High Court’s orders directing it not to participate in the scheduled Saturday, October 5, 2024, Rivers State Local Government Election.
All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure full compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
A statement by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, said that the position of the Command was based on the advice by the Force Legal Department.
The Federal High Court’s judgement dated September 30, 2024 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.
The police also implored all other security agencies to comply with the Federal High Court judgement and therefore called on all citizens to remain peaceful and orderly and to cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during this crucial period.
The police said a federal high court sitting in Abuja had on 19th of July, and on the 30th of September, 2024, barred the Nigeria Police from providing security and participating in the October 5th Local Government Election.
The statement said; “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.”
● Report by NAN.
