There have been controversies in Rivers state over conduct of the state local government election.
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Nigerian Police for saying they would not provide security for the local government elections in Rivers State.
This was communicated in a statement signed by the NBA President (Afam Osigwe) and shared on his official X handle @afamosigwe.
The statement was titled; “The Nigeria Police Force Cannot Shirk Their Responsibility to Provide Security in Rivers State”
It read in part; “The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA has noted with deep concerns, the controversies and actions of actors relating to and pertaining the scheduled Local Government elections in Rivers State.
“The NBA has noted with particular interest the statement released by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, which indicates that the Rivers State Police will not provide security during the Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.”
“The NBA has also read the disturbing report that some Policemen were alleged to have attempted to cart away electoral materials in the dead of the Night at the Head office of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC”
The NBA noted that the court did not ask the Nigerian Police not to abandon its duty of ensuring safety of lives and properties in the state.
“We agree with the statement issued by the Chairmen of NBA Branches in Rivers State as we find it deeply troubling that the Police would brazenly issue a statement that they would shirk their constitutional responsibility of providing security in Rivers State in purported compliance with an order of court.”
“Even if a court has directed the Police not to work with the Electoral Commission in Rivers State, nothing says the Police should not provide security for peace and order in Rivers State.”
It was further stated that the responsibility to secure lives and properties is constitutional for the police and cannot be upturned by a court.
“The responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and cannot be restrained by any court. The Police should at all times provide security for the good people of Nigeria and should in fact be worried if any court order purports to prevent them from discharging this responsibility. The duty to secure the lives and property of the people is one that should never be restrained by the court.”
“The Police as well as all Nigerians should be concerned that such a statement was issued by the Police confirming they would abdicate their duty. The Police must ensure they discharge their duties at all times and urgently take steps to set aside any judgement that seeks to prevent them from discharging their constitutional responsibilities. To do otherwise may enthrone a reign of terror or breakdown of law and order.”
It further noted that the people of Rivers state should not be left unprotected regardless of the circumstances unraveling in the state.
“Any act or position that leaves the people and their activities unprotected is utterly unacceptable, and strongly condemned by the Nigerian Bar Association. The assertion by the Rivers State Police, through the PPRO, that the Police will not provide security for the elections, if accurate, is an unfortunate abdication of responsibility and egregious violation of constitutional duties.”
“The refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy. It is, in every sense, a direct attack on the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria as a whole. In fact, it threatens our democracy.”
The Nigerian Bar Association also noted that it would continue to monitor the situation as they unfold.
“The Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property, and this duty extends to providing security during elections. Any failure to perform this obligation is unacceptable. The security of elections and indeed every other activities are not matters for negotiation. They are constitutional responsibilities that must be carried out by the police at all times. The Police should NEVER shirk such responsibilities.”
“The Nigerian Bar Association condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any attempt to undermine the scheduled elections in the 22 Local Government Areas of Rivers State by refusing to provide security. We will continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds.”
There have been controversies in Rivers state over conduct of the state local government election.
This development is even more prominent, given that the governor, Fubara Siminalayi has being at a loggerhead with the inspector general of police, accusing him of bias.