Police give reasons for ignoring Rivers LG polls

The Rivers State Police Command has reiterated its stands that it will not participate in the local government elections in Rivers State.

According to the force, its moves is in line with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja which barred it from participating in the October 5 council elections  in the state.

This came less than 24 hours after some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party led by the state party chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, and their supporters protested against the conduct of the election by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

The protesters marched to the headquarters of the Department of State Services and the State Police Command in Port Harcourt asking the two agencies to respect the extant court order and hands off the poll, even as Aaron submitted a petition and a copy of the judgment to the officials of both security outfits.

The police, however, explained that adhering to the court order did not mean that its operatives would fold their arms and allow security breaches.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said the decision was sequel to the directives by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, took precedence.

She stated that the court judgment it received stood as a testament and prevented them from participating, adding that citizens should remain peaceful in the state.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming local government elections, 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 elections.

“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 elections.

“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.”

It added, “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.