October 04, (THEWILL) – The Rivers State Police Command says its personnel will not provide security for the October 5 local government elections in the state.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement, said the action follows a Federal High Court judgment delivered on September 30, 2024, which prohibits the Nigeria Police Force from participating in or providing security for the election.
According to Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Command was advised by the Legal Department of the Nigeria Police Force to comply with the court order.
“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,” she said.
Iringe-Koko also noted that an opposition party recently protested, calling for adherence to the court orders and vowing to prevent disregard for the law.
She added that necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders while directing all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court.
The police urged all parties to seek legal redress if aggrieved by any decisions or actions related to the election process.
THEWILL had reported that the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday, September 30, restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct the October 5, 2024, local government elections in the state.
Justice Peter Lifu also barred the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of the State Services (DSS) from providing security for the poll.
Earlier, a Rivers State High Court had ordered security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to provide adequate security and ensure the maintenance of peace, law and order during and after the October 5 local government polls in the state
The court also ordered RSIEC to conduct elections using the National Register of Voters for the 2023 General Elections compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
