The Nigeria Police Force has instructed its commanders to enforce a Federal High Court’s ruling against the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for tomorrow in Rivers State.
This development comes after Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State led a strong delegation to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission office in Port Harcourt, foiling an alleged attempt by policemen from neighboring Abia State to break in and cart away election materials.
According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, the police are compelled to adhere to the court judgment due to a restraining order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 19, 2024. This order prevents the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the election.
In a statement, the police recalled that “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.”
The police urged all parties to pursue legal redress if dissatisfied with any decisions or actions related to the election process.
“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 statement added.
The police emphasized their commitment to maintaining law and order, stating, “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.”
Furthermore, the police instructed their commanders to ensure compliance with the court judgment.
They said, “All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure full compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court.”
Opposition parties have recently protested, calling for compliance with the court orders and expressing their commitment to upholding the law.
