Police Enforce Court Ruling on Rivers State Local Government Elections
The Nigeria Police Force has directed its commanders to uphold a Federal High Court ruling that halts the local government elections set for tomorrow in Rivers State.
Earlier on Friday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, accompanied by a strong delegation, visited the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office in Port Harcourt. This move followed an alleged attempt to break into the facility and seize election materials meant for the upcoming local government election.
Reports claim that police officers, believed to have been deployed from Abia State, stormed the RSIEC office to carry out the operation. However, Governor Fubara and his supporters successfully prevented the incident.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Rivers State, Grace Iringe-Koko, the police reminded the public of a Federal High Court order from July 19, 2024, which barred the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security for the elections.
The police further emphasized that their Force Legal Department had advised them to comply with the latest court ruling from September 30, 2024, which reaffirmed the earlier decision prohibiting their involvement in the elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, in Rivers State.
The statement read: “On September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja reaffirmed its decision, prohibiting the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the Local Government Elections.”
In light of this ruling, the Nigeria Police Force has been instructed to ensure full compliance with the court’s decision, prioritizing the court’s authority.
In response to the situation, opposition parties have voiced their concerns, calling for adherence to the court’s orders. They have pledged to stand by the law, ensuring that the legal process is respected.
The police encouraged any parties dissatisfied with the electoral process to seek appropriate legal action. “We urge all parties to pursue legal channels if they feel aggrieved by any actions or decisions surrounding the elections,” the statement noted.
The Nigeria Police also reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order. “We are fully dedicated to ensuring law and order are upheld. Commanders have been instructed to enforce the court’s ruling, and any attempts to cause disruptions will be dealt with appropriately.”
Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to strictly adhere to the Federal High Court’s judgment, ensuring compliance across the board.
