Why we’ll not participate in Rivers LG poll- Police

The Rivers State Police Command has announced its intention to fully adhere to the ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which has prohibited its involvement in the local government elections scheduled for October 5. This declaration followed a recent protest led by prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including state chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, who rallied supporters against the electoral process overseen by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

The PDP members marched to the offices of the Department of State Services and the State Police Command in Port Harcourt, demanding that both agencies respect the court’s order and refrain from interfering in the electoral process. During the demonstration, Aaron Chukwuemeka presented a petition along with a copy of the court judgment to officials at both locations.

In response, the police clarified that while they will comply with the court’s directive, this does not imply that they will ignore any threats to public safety. Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command and Superintendent of Police, provided this clarification in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

Iringe-Koko noted that the decision to comply with the court’s ruling is based on guidance from the Force Legal Department, emphasizing that the Federal High Court’s decision from September 30, 2024, takes precedence over other considerations. She encouraged residents to maintain peace and order during this time.

The police statement highlighted the significance of the recent rulings in relation to the upcoming local government election. “On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order prohibiting the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies from providing security for the local government election,” the statement read. “Furthermore, on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court reaffirmed this prohibition.”

Given these developments, the Nigerian Police Force has been advised by its legal department to prioritize compliance with the September 30 ruling. The statement also acknowledged the recent opposition protests, which called for respect for the court orders and expressed a commitment to uphold the rule of law.

The police urged all political parties to seek legal remedies if they feel aggrieved by any actions related to the electoral process. “The Nigeria Police Force is committed to maintaining order and will not remain passive in the event of potential disturbances,” the statement asserted. It emphasized that appropriate measures would be taken to enforce compliance with the court’s directives, directing all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to ensure strict adherence to the Federal High Court’s ruling.

The statement further reiterated that the police are bound by the judgment of the Federal High Court dated September 30, which explicitly bars them from participating in, securing, or engaging in any capacity during the Rivers State Local Government Election on October 5, 2024. Other security agencies have also been urged to comply with this ruling.

In light of these developments, the Rivers State Police Command is calling on all citizens to remain peaceful and orderly, emphasizing the importance of cooperating with law enforcement to uphold the rule of law during this critical period. The police command remains focused on its duty to protect and serve the community while respecting the legal boundaries set by the court.

As the election date approaches, the police’s commitment to maintaining order without direct involvement in the electoral process raises questions about how security will be managed. The situation underscores the delicate balance between upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety in a politically charged environment. The Rivers State Police Command’s adherence to the court’s ruling will be closely monitored by both the public and political observers, as the implications of this decision unfold in the coming days.