The Nigerian Police Force, NPF and the Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara are at loggerheads over the upcoming local government election, scheduled for Saturday, October 5.
The Rivers State Police Command has officially announced its withdrawal from the election, DAILY GIST reports.
This decision follows a Federal High Court judgment, which barred the police and other security agencies from participating in the polls.
The court’s ruling, delivered on September 30, 2024, is the latest development in a series of legal battles surrounding the election.
Earlier, on July 19, 2024, the same court issued a restraining order, prohibiting the police from providing security during the election.
Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, explained that the decision to withdraw from the election is a sequel to directives from the Force Legal Department.
The statement said: “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming Local Government 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.
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.
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.
However, the development is against the backdrop of the insistence of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara who had stated that the elections will hold, even if his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not take part.
He had cited the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy as criteria, noting that the judgment allowed for elected representatives at that tier of governemnt.
On Friday morning, Fubara stormed the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Police operatives had barricaded the facility where electoral materials are kept.
Security operatives who were at the RSIEC office departed shortly after Fubara arrived at the building in the company of some lawmakers and government officials.
Fubara said the presence of police officers at the RISEC premises was unnecessary.
The governor alleged that Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), is taking orders from Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
“We came here this morning when we heard that the Nigeria police are coming to take over the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC). I had to come myself to find out why such a thing would happen,” Fubara said.
“I have to say this on a very strong note. We have been taking enough nonsense from this institution. Everybody is aware of the court judgment.
“Did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not be held? It (judgment) said don’t give voter register. What are we doing with it? Police, don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election?
“I don’t know what the relationship between the inspector-general of police and one person who claims he has so much power in this state. I don’t know the relationship because it is beginning to go beyond the normal professional relationship.
“Did the judgment of the federal high court say election should be barred? Rather, it tactically said don’t provide (security). We don’t need your security. We will provide our security.
“After all, it happened in Anambra. Go away with your security. But this election must hold. Whatever you want to do, do it. The election will be held, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in.”
Fubara said the only thing that can stop the election from holding is if he is shot.
“When it comes to the issue of Rivers state, it becomes different. You are not ashamed of yourself. You call yourself inspector-general of police. Enough is enough. I will be here. This (RISEC) is my property. You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering it. Just try it. That part of your history as a very wicked and fraudulent inspector-general will include shooting Fubara,” he said.
“I think I have given you enough respect. Let me tell all Rivers indigenes and everyone residing in Rivers state. The election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen.
Rivers has been embroiled in political crisis since the supremacy battle between Fubara and Wike began.
The local government election is now being viewed in both camps as a referendum on who really controls the grassroots.
The Wike camp is seemingly opposed to the conduct of the election on Saturday.
Despite the crisis, Fubara has vowed to proceed with the election and has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays.
