The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the reported refusal by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State to grant it and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other materials used in the September 21, 2024 governorship election against the order of court.

The PDP in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba has also accused INEC of doctoring the BVAS to conceal rigging.

Ologunagba further said on Monday that the PDP has demanded the immediate release of election materials for inspection.

“Our party also alerts the public of how compromised INEC officials used the ploy of waiting for “directives from above” to allegedly allow thugs recruited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and some unscrupulous police operatives to invade the INEC office in Edo State so as to cause confusion and frustrate the PDP from accessing these sensitive materials,” he said.

“INEC’s refusal to release the materials is in brazen affront of the order of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Holden at Benin City, dated 29th day of September, 2024 which ordered the Commission to grant our Party and candidate “unfettered access to and open up for inspection all electoral documents or any document in the custody of the National Chief Electoral Commissioner or any officer of the Commission/1st Respondent, particularly the Voter Registers, Ballot papers, the BVAS machines, Forms EC25B, EC25B(i) Forms EC40A and Forms EC40C which were utilized for the conduct of the Edo State Governorship election held on the 21st September 2024.”

Ologunagba said the action of the INEC in Edo State, therefore, validates reports of criminal connivance of some INEC officials with the APC to obstruct the course of justice and suppress evidence of the manipulation and doctoring of election results which was clearly won by the PDP and its candidate.

“Information available to the PDP indicates that the heavily compromised INEC officials and the APC are working to alter the data in the BVAS machines, results sheets, ballot papers and other vital information in favour of the defeated APC candidate,” he said.

“It is imperative to draw the attention of Nigerians and the International Community of a pattern by the INEC to continue to present itself as a threat to democracy against its mandate to promote democratic principles of free, fair and credible elections in line with the Constitution and extant electoral laws.

“Nigerians will recall from reports in the public domain since the 2023 elections that INEC has proven to be in active connivance with the APC to manipulate the outcome of every election in favour of the APC in total disregard and contempt to the expressed Will of the people and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022 and INEC Guidelines for elections.

“This manipulative and provocative action by INEC and the APC is already causing apprehensions with the possibility of a breakdown of Law and Order as Nigerians are increasingly getting frustrated with the Commission.”

The PDP has, therefore, called on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to immediately redeem the image of the Commission by ensuring the immediate release of the BVAS machines, the results sheets, ballot papers and other vital materials used for the election for inspection by the party and candidate in compliance with the Order of the Tribunal.

Ologunagba warned that INEC and the APC must know that there is no way the PDP and the people of Edo will allow the mandate freely given to their party and candidate at the state governorship election to be illegally transferred to the APC which was defeated at the poll.

Governor Sim Fubara has charged the newly-elected local government (LG) chairmen in Rivers State to ensure that they work for the people.

Following the announcement of winners in the LG election which took place in Rivers State on Saturday, Fubara conducted their swearing in ceremony on Sunday.

“Today marked a new dawn for Rivers State as we swore in the newly elected local government chairmen,” the governor wrote in a post he shared on his official X account.

“This is a call to serve with the requisite responsibility of uniting and uplifting our people.

“I urge every chairman to embrace the spirit of service, work for the people and maintain the peace and progress of our beloved state.

“Together, we will build a greater Rivers State as we ensure that this administration’s goals are met for the benefit of all.”

The Action Peoples Party (APP) had a landslide victory in the election with its 23 chairmanship candidates declared winners by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, the swearing-in ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), meanwhile, has congratulated the people of Rivers State on the successful conduct of the LG election.

The National Secretary of CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh described the election as a victory for democracy.

Ameh also noted the peaceful participation of the people as a reflection of their strong commitment to democratic principles.

“Despite past challenges, the people of Rivers have demonstrated that their voices will be heard and their choices will shape their future,” he said.

“This success is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democratic progress. Your participation has shown that democracy can flourish in Nigeria.

“We anticipate a continued positive trend where citizens’ voices are louder and leaders are held to higher standards.

“The success of this election offers renewed hope for democracy’s resilience and revitalisation, proving that citizens can unite to reject anti-democratic forces and affirm their dedication to democratic values.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday, pledged victory and claimed that his country’s military has “drastically changed the situation” since Hamas’s October 7 attack, which has led Israel to fight on two fronts.

Netanyahu addressed troops, stating that Israel “will win” as it continues to engage militants in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, while also preparing for a potential conflict with Iran, almost a year after the unprecedented assault by Palestinian Hamas militants triggered the Gaza conflict.

Israel’s army chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said that, one year on, “we have defeated the military wing of Hamas”.

Netanyahu had vowed to “crush… and destroy” the militants when the conflict began last October, but troops have returned to various parts of Gaza where they had previously targeted Hamas, only to discover the militants regrouping.

In late September Israel turned its focus north, intensifying military action against Iran-backed Hezbollah, which had been routinely sending rockets over the border from Lebanon in support of Hamas.

“A year ago, we suffered a terrible blow. Over the past 12 months, we have completely transformed reality,” Netanyahu said during a visit to the Lebanon border, according to his office.

Hamas on Sunday called the October 7 attack “glorious” and said the Palestinians were “writing a new history with their resistance”.

Their attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity. Dozens of other hostages are still held.

At last 370 people were killed at one location alone, the Nova rave in the Negev desert, which was commemorated with candles, prayer and music in Tel Aviv on Sunday.

NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the decision of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) not to provide security during the Local Government (LG) election in Rivers State on Saturday.

The NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN) in a statement on Friday night said the Police cannot shirk its responsibility to provide security in Rivers State.

“The Nigerian Bar Association has noted with deep concerns the controversies and actions of actors relating to and pertaining the scheduled Local Government elections in Rivers State,” Osigwe said.

“The NBA has noted with particular interest the statement released by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko which indicates that the Rivers State Police will not provide security during the Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

“The NBA has also read the disturbing report that some Policemen were alleged to have attempted to cart away electoral materials in the dead of the night at the head office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

“We agree with the statement issued by the chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State as we find it deeply troubling that the Police would brazenly issue a statement that they would shirk their constitutional responsibility of providing security in Rivers State in purported compliance with an order of court.

“Even if a court has directed the Police not to work with the Electoral Commission in Rivers State, nothing says the Police should not provide security for peace and order in Rivers State.”

Osigwe said the responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and cannot be restrained by any court.

He stated that the Police should at all times provide security for the good people of Nigeria and should in fact be worried if any court order purports to prevent them from discharging this responsibility.

According to him, the duty to secure the lives and property of the people is one that should never be restrained by the court.

Osigwe said the Police as well as all Nigerians should be concerned that such a statement was issued by the force, confirming they would abdicate their duty.

The NBA President warned that the Police must ensure they discharge their duties at all times and urgently take steps to set aside any judgement that seeks to prevent them from discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

He said to do otherwise may enthrone a reign of terror or breakdown of law and order, adding that the people of Rivers must never be left unprotected no matter what.

Osigwe said any act or position that leaves the people and their activities unprotected is utterly unacceptable and strongly condemned by the Nigerian Bar Association.

He lamented that the assertion by the Rivers State Police, through the PPRO, that they will not provide security for the LG election if accurate is an unfortunate abdication of responsibility and egregious violation of constitutional duties.

According to him, their refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy.

Osigwe said it is in every sense a direct attack on the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State and by extension, Nigeria as a whole, adding that it in fact threatens the nation’s democracy.

He pointed out that the Police is constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property and this duty extends to providing security during elections.

Osigwe said any failure to perform this obligation is unacceptable because the security of elections and indeed every other activity are not matters for negotiation.

According to him, they are constitutional responsibilities that must be carried out by the police at all times and the force should never shirk such responsibilities.

“The Nigerian Bar Association condemns in the strongest possible terms any attempt to undermine the scheduled elections in the 22 Local Government Areas of Rivers State by refusing to provide security,” he said.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds. We call on all security agencies to rise to the challenge of protecting lives, property and democracy during this critical time.

“Furthermore, we urge the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate investigation into these troubling report that Policemen sought to cart away electoral materials and ensure that any errant officers involved are swiftly and appropriately disciplined regardless of whose interests are affected.

“The NBA has also taken note of the conflicting judgments from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the scheduled Local Government elections.

“It is deeply disheartening and amounts to judicial rascality that courts of concurrent jurisdiction are issuing contradictory orders on the same matter.

“The NBA is committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to this constant judicial conflict as the consistency and coherence of the law are fundamental to its effectiveness.

“The protection of our democracy and the upholding of the rule of law must remain the highest priority,” Osigwe concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force has said it will enforce the court’s orders on providing security for the Local Government Election in Rivers State scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement on Friday night said, informing all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the LG election, particularly in 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 Election,” Iringe-Koko said.

“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.

“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.
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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.”

She said 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 its operatives from allowing, participating in, providing security for, or taking part in the Rivers LG election.

The Rivers State Force spokesperson said all other security agencies are also implored to comply with the Federal High Court judgment.

“In light of these developments, the Nigeria Police Force calls on all citizens to remain peaceful and orderly and to cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during this crucial period,” she said.

The Peoples Democratic Party has warned the Nigeria Police not to undermine democracy, urging the residents of Rivers State to engage in the Local Government Area election scheduled for Saturday.

On Thursday, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara confirmed that the local government election would proceed as planned, despite opposition from supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The governor urged individuals and groups not to attempt to interfere with the electoral process, emphasizing his refusal to tolerate any actions that might create confusion or instability in the state.

Tensions have risen as PDP supporters aligned with Wike and a faction of the All Progressives Congress, headed by Chief Tony Okocha, have opted out of the election, citing concerns over irregularities and a lack of proper procedures by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

Fubara has likewise alleged that the Nigeria Police are working in conjunction with Wike to disrupt the local government elections.

In reply, the PDP, represented by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declared that the residents of Rivers State are ready for the election.

Ologunagba mentioned that RSIEC has verified its preparedness and has all the essential materials to carry out the election, emphasizing that no court operating under the Electoral Act 2022 has the authority to obstruct the process.

Read Also: Rivers LG Poll: Police Declares Non-participation

The statement read in part “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the people of Rivers State to firmly assert their sovereignty and Constitutional right by coming out en masse to vote in the Saturday, October 5, 2024 Local Government Area election across the State.

“The PDP insists that the right to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federating unit belongs to the generality of the people of the State and such right, including participation in Local Government Area election cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group or organization under any guise whatsoever.

“The Party maintains that the people of Rivers State are ready for election; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court and NO COURT under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has the power to stop elections.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that Nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general elections, under the Act pending the determination of a suit.”

The PDP called on Nigerians and the global community to demand accountability from the APC and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for any disturbances of peace and order occurring in Rivers State at this moment.

“The PDP in very strong terms condemns the attempt by the APC-controlled Police to abridge, subvert and frustrate the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election against the Will of the people, the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, the express provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The reported invasion of RSIEC facilities by Police operatives allegedly to frustrate the conduct of the election is a direct affront to our democracy and the Rule of Law; an attempt which was firmly resisted by the people of Rivers State who are resolute to express their Will at the poll.

“The Police and the APC should note that the people of Rivers State are peace-loving and law-abiding but will never allow anybody by whatever means to stifle, abridge, appropriate or subvert their Will, especially in choosing who governs them, particularly at the Local Government level.

“The Inspector General of Police should note that he is duty bound under the Constitution to provide the enabling and secure environment for the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election irrespective of where he stands as an individual. Duty calls on him to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-earned democracy and the stability of our nation, Nigeria,” the party said.

Ologunagba commended the bravery and resolve of the Rivers State populace in their dedication to safeguarding their right to engage in the electoral process.

The PDP voiced its backing for the government and citizens of Rivers in their effort to elect representatives peacefully, who will oversee the administration of the 23 Local Government Areas in line with legal regulations.