The Rivers State Police Command has announced its intention to fully adhere to the Federal High Court’s ruling in Abuja, which prohibits it from participating in the local government election scheduled for October 5 in the state.
This announcement followed less than 24 hours after a group of leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party, headed by state party chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, along with their supporters, demonstrated against the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s handling of the election.
The demonstrators marched to the offices of the Department of State Services and the State Police Command in Port Harcourt, urging both agencies to honor the existing court order and refrain from involvement in the election. Aaron also submitted a petition and a copy of the court’s ruling to the officials at both institutions.
The representative of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed this in a statement released on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, explained that the decision follows the instructions from the Force Legal Department, stating that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, is of primary importance.
Emphasizing that they had reviewed the two court rulings prohibiting their involvement, she urged citizens to maintain peace.
The statement read, “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.
“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.
“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.
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“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.
“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.”
