The Rivers State Police Command has said it will not allow the Local Government Election scheduled for Saturday to be held.
This was made known in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko titled ‘Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election.
In the statement, the police confirmed being in receipt of a restraining order preventing them from providing security during the LGA elections.
The command also said it aware of the 30th September 2024 Court judgement from the Federal High Court Abuja which bars the Force from participating in the election.
Members of the PDP Protesting in Rivers on Thursday, asking for the cancellation of the LG election in the state
The statement further added that the Force Legal Department has advised that the ruling from the 30th of September takes precedence.
The statement also referenced the protest march by the opposition PDP during which they called for an adherence to the court orders.
Read Full Statement below:
PROPOSED OCTOBER 5TH, 2024 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN ELECTION
The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming Local Government Election, particularly in 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.
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.
GRACE IRINGE-KOKO (ANIPR),
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
RIVERS STATE
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND
OCTOBER 3 2024.
