In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed its withdrawal from the highly anticipated October 5, 2024, Local Government Chairmanship Election in Rivers State. This decision, rooted in two powerful court rulings, has sparked widespread discussions about the integrity and security of the upcoming election.
The announcement came through a statement by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, who highlighted the pivotal ruling made by the Federal High Court on July 19, 2024. This judgment explicitly barred the police and other security agencies from providing any form of security during the local government elections. In a subsequent ruling on September 30, 2024, the court reinforced its stance, further blocking the involvement of security personnel in the electoral process.
Faced with these legal barricades, the Force Legal Department advised that the September 30 ruling must be upheld as the guiding directive. This led to immediate orders to all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to ensure unwavering compliance. With the police officially sidelined, questions are mounting about how secure the polls will be, given the typical role of security forces in maintaining law and order during elections.
Despite this major setback for election security, the police maintained their commitment to upholding peace and stability in Rivers State. In their statement, they called on all political parties, stakeholders, and citizens to respect the law, urging anyone dissatisfied to seek redress through legal channels. While the police won’t be on the ground during the election, they stressed that their role in maintaining peace across the state remains unshaken.
Amid the unfolding legal drama, Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has made it clear that the elections will proceed as scheduled. Earlier this week, he doubled down on his administration’s resolve, stating that no legal hurdles or security challenges would derail the October 5, 2024, polls. His firm stance raises the stakes as the date draws closer, leaving many to wonder how the election will be managed without traditional security oversight.
As Rivers State edges toward this crucial election, all eyes are on the unfolding political landscape and the potential consequences of conducting a major electoral process without the backing of the police or security agencies.
Peoplesmind