BREAKING: Police Vows to Steer Clear of Rivers LG Election, Give Reasons

BREAKING: Police Vows to Steer Clear of Rivers LG Election, Give Reasons

  • The Rivers state police command has confirmed it will fully adhere to the Federal High Court ruling ahead of the Rivers LG poll
  • The decision came after a protest by PDP members, who demanded strict compliance with the court’s ruling
  • Despite its withdrawal from the election, the police assured the public they would maintain law and order

Port Hacourt, Rivers State - The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed its decision to fully comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which bars it from participating in the October 5, 2024, local government election.

This development comes just 24 hours after a protest led by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), calling on security agencies to respect the court's ruling.

Read also

“Unwarranted outburst”: Police react to Governor Fubara’s allegation of invading RSIEC facilities

Police speak on why it will not be part of the Rivers LG election
The Nigerian police, led by Egbetokun has announced withdrawal from Rivers LG poll Photo credit: @PoliceNG
Source: Twitter

Police cites court ruling

The Rivers state police spokesperson, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, issued a statement on Thursday, October 3, affirming the command's commitment to adhering to the court’s directive.

According to Iringe-Koko, the decision follows instructions from the Force Legal Department, emphasising that the September 30, 2024, Federal High Court ruling takes precedence, Vanguard reported.

She said:

“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."

Protesters demand adherence to court orders

On Wednesday, members of the PDP, led by the state chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, marched through the streets of Port Harcourt, protesting the planned election.

The demonstrators submitted a petition and a copy of the court judgment to officials at both the Department of State Services and the State Police Command, demanding strict compliance with the ruling.

Read also

“Police, APC should note”: PDP tells Rivers people what to do on LG election day

The police assured the public that they had reviewed the court's orders, which included a restraining order issued on July 19, 2024, and the final judgment on September 30, 2024.

Both rulings prohibit the police and other security agencies from providing any form of security for the election, The Punch reported.

Security concerns and police response

Despite withdrawing from participation in the election, the Rivers State Police Command made it clear that it would not permit any security breaches during the process.

Iringe-Koko assured residents that the police would remain vigilant and act swiftly to maintain peace and order.

The statement read:

“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.”

Read also

Rivers LG election: Why police officers invaded RSIEC office, Fubara speaks

Gunmen throw 'bomb' into Police vehicle, kill 2 officers in Anambra

In another development, Legit.ng reported that Gunmen launched attacks and killed two policemen in the Uruagu community in Nnewi North local government area of Anambra state.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, October 3, 2024.

Proofread by Kola Muhammed, journalist and copyeditor at Legit.ng

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944.