The Nigeria Police Force has instructed its commanders to implement a Federal High Court ruling that prohibits the local government elections set for tomorrow in Rivers State.
On Friday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara headed a significant delegation to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office in Port Harcourt following an alleged attempt to infiltrate the facility and appropriate materials designated for the upcoming LG election on Saturday.
According to reports, law enforcement officers sent from the nearby Abia State made an attempt at a break-in, but the governor and his allies were able to stop them.
A statement from the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order on July 19, 2024. This order prohibits the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the election.
The police highlighted that they received guidance from their Force Legal Department to comply with the court ruling issued on September 30, 2024, which restricted their participation in the local government election set for October 5, 2024, in Rivers State.
The statement indicates that on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling that once again barred the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from engaging in the local government election.
The Federal High Court’s decision from September 30, 2024, holds priority, according to instructions given to the Nigeria Police Force by the Force Legal Department in light of the current situation.
Recent reports indicate that opposition parties have engaged in protests, advocating for adherence to court orders and demonstrating their dedication to upholding the law.
The police have advised all involved parties to seek legal recourse should they find any decisions or actions pertaining to the election process unsatisfactory.
The Nigeria Police Force advises all stakeholders to pursue suitable legal remedies should they feel dissatisfied with any decisions or actions pertaining to the electoral process.
The Nigeria Police Force is committed to upholding law and order and will actively respond to any potential disturbances.
“Appropriate measures will be implemented to ensure compliance with the court’s directives.” All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders are mandated to guarantee complete adherence to the ruling of the Federal High Court,” the statement indicated.