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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
The Rivers State Police Command has announced its full compliance with the Federal High Court’s ruling that prohibits its participation in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5 in the state.
This declaration follows a series of protests organized by chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including state party chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, who demanded adherence to the court order.
The protests, which occurred less than 24 hours prior to the police announcement, saw party supporters march to the headquarters of both the Department of State Services and the State Police Command in Port Harcourt.
During the demonstrations, Chukwuemeka submitted a petition along with a copy of the court judgment to officials of the two agencies, urging them to respect the extant order and refrain from interfering in the electoral process.
Despite affirming their compliance with the court’s directive, the Rivers State Police Command emphasized that this does not imply an abdication of their responsibility to maintain public order and security.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, clarified in a statement issued on Thursday that the decision to comply stems from guidance received from the Force Legal Department, which stipulates that the ruling, issued on September 30, 2024, must take precedence.
Iringe-Koko urged citizens to remain peaceful during the electoral process, reiterating the importance of upholding public safety while respecting judicial decisions.
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.
“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.”
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