The Rivers State Police Command has said it would comply fully with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja which barred it from participating in the October 5 local government election in the state.
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This came less than 24 hours after some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by the state party chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, and their supporters protested against the conduct of the election by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The protesters marched to the headquarters of the Department of State Services and the State Police Command in Port Harcourt asking the two agencies to respect the extant court order and hands off the poll, even as Aaron submitted a petition and a copy of the judgment to the officials of both outfits.
The police, however, explained that adhering to the court order does not mean that its operatives will fold their arms and allow security breaches.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt .
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said the decision is a sequel to the directives by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.
While insisting that it had studied the two court judgment it received restraining them from participating, she advised citizens to remain peaceful
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.”
Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events early Friday morning, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara personally intervened in what he described as an attempt by police to interfere with the elections. According to government sources, at approximately 1:00 AM, a group of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) allegedly attempted to forcibly enter RSIEC offices to remove sensitive electoral materials.
Governor Fubara, accompanied by key state officials including his chief of staff and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, confronted the police at the RSIEC headquarters. Eyewitnesses reported the presence of two police trucks and two Hilux vehicles at the scene.
In a brief statement, Governor Fubara denounced the police actions as “an assault on our democracy” and vowed to protect “the will of the people of Rivers State.” As of press time, the governor’s team remained at the commission’s offices to prevent further interference.
The police have not yet issued an official response to the governor’s accusations.
These developments have intensified the already contentious atmosphere surrounding the local government elections. Political observers note that the situation underscores the complex interplay between state and federal authorities in Nigerian politics.
As the October 5 election date approaches, all eyes are on Rivers State, with citizens and stakeholders alike watching closely to see how this political drama unfolds.
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