Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana on Friday wrote to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) demanding the peaceful conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Election.
News About Nigeria reports that the Rivers State Police Command and Governor Siminalayi Fubara have been at loggerheads, with the latter saying it would not provide security for tomorrow’s (Saturday, October 4, 2024) election.
According to the police, this is because it wants to adhere to the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which bars the Force from participating in the election.
Reacting to this in a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on Friday, Falana argued that the statement by the Rivers State Police Command is that the police will not maintain law and order during the election.
He also noted that an appeal has been filed against the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on September 30, 2024, by the Honourable Justice Peter Lifu.
The letter partly reads, “We have the instructions of our client to inform you that an appeal has been filed against the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on September 30, 2024, by the Honourable Justice P.O. Lifu. Following the filing of the appeal, a motion for a stay of execution pending the appeal has also been filed by our client. A few persons have openly boasted and threatened to destroy electoral materials, cause mayhem, and unleash violence on the law-abiding people of Rivers State who may wish to exercise their democratic rights during the local government election.
“In view of the foregoing, we hereby urge you to direct the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in any part of Rivers State during the local government election scheduled to be held throughout the State on October 5, 2024. Having been served with the copies of the Notice and Motion for Stay of execution, we request you toted to direct the Rivers State Police Command to maintain and law order during the election.”
