Nigerian police vow to stop Rivers LG polls

There is palpable tension in Rivers State following the threat by the police to stop the Local Government elections slated for Saturday.

This is coming after the police top brass ordered relevant officers to enforce the Federal High Court’s judgement which ruled against the conduct of the local government elections.

Grace Iringe-Kokk, the spokesperson of Rivers State command in a statement, recalled that on July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the police and other sister security agencies from providing security during the local government election.

The statement insisted that the Nigeria police force had been advised by the Force Legal Department to comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court dated September 30, 2024, which barred the police from allowing, participating in, providing security for, or taking part in the Rivers State Local Government Election on October 5, 2024.

“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”, the statement reads.

However, the statement called on all other security agencies to comply with the Federal High Court judgment.

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