The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed its compliance with court rulings prohibiting its involvement in the upcoming October 5, 2024, Local Government Chairmanship Election in Rivers State.
In a statement issued by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, the force referenced a Federal High Court ruling from July 19, 2024, which restricted the police and other security agencies from providing security during the election. This was further reinforced by another judgment on September 30, 2024, that also barred the police and security agencies from participating in any capacity.
The Force Legal Department has advised that the September 30 court judgment takes precedence, leading to directives that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders ensure full compliance with the ruling.
The police also urged all stakeholders and political parties to remain law-abiding and seek legal redress if aggrieved. Despite the police’s withdrawal from election duties, the force emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state.
The statement concluded by calling on all citizens to remain peaceful and cooperate with law enforcement during the election period.
The Governor Sim Fubara earlier in the week insisted that nothing will stop the Local Government Election from holding.
