The Rivers State Police Command has said its personnel will not participate in Saturday’s local government area elections in the state.
It, however, directed its commanders to enforce the Federal High Court’s judgement against the conduct of the contentious local government elections slated for tomorrow (Saturday).
The command in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, recalled that 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.
The statement insisted that the Nigeria Police Force had been advised by the Force Legal Department to comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court dated September 30, 2024, which barred the police from allowing, participating in, providing security for, or taking part in the Rivers State Local Government Election on October 5, 2024.
The statement reads: “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”.
The statement called on all other security agencies to comply with the Federal High Court judgment.
