NBA condemns police withdrawal from Rivers LG elections

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed deep concern over the Nigeria Police Force’s statement that they will not provide security during the Local Government elections in Rivers State, scheduled for October 5.

The NBA finds this decision troubling, noting that the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, cited compliance with a court order as the reason for the police’s withdrawal.

However, the NBA asserts that the police’s constitutional responsibility to provide security cannot be suspended by any court order.

The NBA strongly condemns this refusal to provide security, emphasising that the police are constitutionally obligated to protect lives and property, particularly during elections.

The lawyers’ umbrella body warns that such an action could lead to lawlessness, undermine democracy, and pose a serious threat to the people of Rivers State.

The association highlighted reports that police officers allegedly attempted to steal electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters, calling for an investigation and accountability.

The NBA also criticised the judiciary for issuing conflicting judgments from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, which adds to the confusion surrounding the elections.

The association’s president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, in a statement, urged the Inspector General of Police to intervene and ensure security for the elections, stressing that democracy must be safeguarded at all costs.