Police Pull Out of Rivers Local Govt Elections, Cite Court Order
By Editor
Port Harcourt (River state- Nigeria) – In a stunning move, the Rivers State Police Command on Friday withdrawn its personnel from providing security for the October 5 local government council elections, citing binding court orders that prohibit their participation.
The dramatic withdrawal comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued two separate orders – on July 19, 2024, and September 30, 2024 – restraining the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the elections.
Consequently, the police authority further
directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance with the court’s orders.
The development follows intense pressure from scores of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members who stormed the state headquarters of the Police and Department of State Services in Port Harcourt, urging the authorities to respect the court orders and avoid mayhem.
Rivers State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, clarified that the force is committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace. “We will take necessary actions to enforce the court’s orders and ensure public safety,” she stated.
The Nigeria Police Force urges all citizens to remain peaceful and orderly and cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during this period.