The River State Police Command has said that it will not participate in the Rivers State Local Government Election, which is slated to be held on the 5th of October, 2024, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the police, this is because it wants to fully comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which barred it from participating in the the LG election.
Speaking in a statement released by the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, the police noted that adhering to the court order does not mean that its operatives will fold their arms and allow security breaches.
The statement partly reads, “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 judgement 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 is dedicated to maintaining law and order and will not stand idly by in the face of potential disturbances. In view of the above, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department to comply with the judgement 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.”
The police, therefore, tasked other security agencies in the state to ensure that they provide adequate security on the day of the election.
The force further tasked the people of the state to remain peaceful and orderly and to cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during the election.
