The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the decision of the Nigeria Police Force not to provide security for the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State.
This controversial decision, announced by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, on October 5, has sparked outrage across the country.
The elections, scheduled for Saturday, October 5, have already been embroiled in legal disputes and political tension.
The Rivers State police’s decision is based on a Federal High Court ruling, which restrained them, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the State Security Service (SSS) from participating in the election process.
Court Ruling Sparks Controversy
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, handed down a judgment barring INEC from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The court also ordered that no security forces should be involved in the elections, in response to a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the legitimacy of the elections.
This decision has thrown the entire election process into uncertainty, with fears that the absence of security could create a dangerous vacuum, leading to potential violence and chaos.
NBA Challenges Police Decision
Reacting to the police’s announcement, NBA President Afam Osigwe issued a strongly worded statement, criticizing the police for what he described as a “brazen” disregard of their constitutional duty.
Mr. Osigwe emphasized that the role of the police in maintaining peace and security during elections is non-negotiable.
“The responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and cannot be restrained by any court,” Osigwe declared.
He expressed deep concerns about reports that police officers had allegedly attempted to seize electoral materials from the headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) under the cover of night.
“These actions raise serious questions about the integrity of the police force and their commitment to democratic principles,” Osigwe added.
NBA: Refusal to Provide Security is a Threat to Democracy
The NBA described the police’s refusal to provide security for the election as unconstitutional and a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Osigwe warned that such an abdication of responsibility could lead to lawlessness, undermining the entire electoral process.
“The refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy,” Osigwe said.
He further warned that if security is not provided, the election could descend into chaos, making it impossible for voters to exercise their democratic rights in a free and fair environment.
The NBA called on all security agencies, including the police, to rise to the challenge of safeguarding lives, property, and the integrity of the democratic process during this crucial period.
Osigwe also urged Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to immediately investigate reports of police officers attempting to tamper with electoral materials and to hold accountable any officers found responsible.
Governor Fubara’s Clash with Police
Adding fuel to the fire, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has openly clashed with the police over their refusal to provide security for the elections.
Governor Fubara expressed his frustration during a press briefing, where he criticized the police for what he termed “a betrayal of their duty to the people of Rivers State.”
He suggested that the police’s refusal to act might be politically motivated, hinting at potential interference by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who still wields significant influence over law enforcement in the state.
“We’ve been taking enough nonsense from this institution,” Fubara said, accusing the police of allowing themselves to be influenced by external political forces.
Fubara pointed out that while a Federal High Court had restrained the police from participating in the elections, a conflicting ruling by the Rivers State High Court had cleared the way for the elections to proceed. “The police are supposed to maintain law and order, not block the democratic process,” the governor
