The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised alarms over the Rivers State Police’s decision to not provide security during the scheduled local government elections, slated for October 5, 2024.
This comes after a statement was issued by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, indicating the police’s decision to withhold security based on a court ruling.
In a strongly worded response contained in a statement, by its Rivers State Chairman, Mazi Adam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA called the move an “egregious violation of constitutional duties,” warning that it could lead to lawlessness and undermine democracy in Rivers State.
Osigwe expressed deep concern about the Police Force’s actions, labeling the refusal to provide security as “unconstitutional, illegal, immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness.”
“The responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and cannot be restrained by any court,” Osigwe stated.
He emphasized that, regardless of any court order, it is the duty of the Nigeria Police Force to protect lives and maintain order. “The police should never shirk such responsibilities,” he added.
This comes amid a disturbing report alleging that police officers were involved in an attempt to cart away electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) offices in the middle of the night.
The NBA further demanded an immediate investigation into the incident, urging the Inspector General of Police to discipline any officers involved.
The association also condemned the conflicting court judgments from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, which have added confusion to the legal framework surrounding the elections.
Osigwe described the situation as “judicial rascality” and called for the judiciary to address the growing trend of contradictory rulings from courts of concurrent jurisdiction.
“The protection of our democracy and the upholding of the rule of law must remain the highest priority,” Osigwe concluded, reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to ensuring that elections are held peacefully and securely, and that the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions remains intact.
The NBA has pledged to monitor the situation closely and continue engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the scheduled elections proceed without interference or violence.
