The Rivers State Police Command has announced its decision to enforce court orders regarding the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024 in the state.
This development comes after the Command received a restraining order preventing them from providing security during the elections, as confirmed by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Command’s spokesperson, on Friday.
This 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.
However, the police statement noted that it was aware of the September 30, 2024, Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which prohibits the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the election.
The Force Legal Department has advised that this ruling takes precedence.
“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,” the statement reads.
READ ALSO: Fubara bows to Supreme Court ruling, approves Oct 5 LG polls without PDP
It highlights the July 19, 2024, restraining order and the September 30, 2024, judgment, emphasizing the Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
The police encourage all parties to seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved by any decisions or actions related to the election process. “Necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders,” the statement asserts, directing all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance with the Federal High Court judgment.
Key Points:
– Restraining Order: The police have received a restraining order preventing them from providing security during the elections.
– Federal High Court Judgment: The September 30, 2024, judgment prohibits the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the election.
– Force Legal Department Advice: The ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.
– Police Response: The Nigeria Police Force encourages all parties to seek legal redress and will take necessary actions to enforce the court’s orders.
The opposition party, PDP, has protested, calling for adherence to the court orders and expressing determination to prevent any disregard for the law. The police urge all citizens to remain peaceful and orderly, cooperating with law enforcement to uphold the rule of law during this critical period.
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