Police withdraw personnel from Rivers LG polls

The Rivers State Police Command has clarified its position on the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Election, slated for October 5, 2024.

The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement, said the police are compelled to comply with a Federal High Court judgment delivered on September 30, 2024.

She said the judgment prohibits the Nigeria Police Force from participating in or providing security for the election.

The police spokesperson stated that the court order was a follow-up to an initial order on July 19, 2024.

She added that the Rivers State Police Command was advised by the Legal Department of the Nigeria Police Force to comply with the court order.

“On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the Local Government Election,” Iringe-Koko said.

“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.”

She also noted that an opposition party recently protested, calling for adherence to the court orders and vowing to prevent disregard for the law.

She added that necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders while directing all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court.

She stated that the police encourage all parties to seek legal redress if aggrieved by any decisions or actions related to the election process.