Rising tensions in Rivers state as Local Government elections approach
Tension and uncertainty loom over Rivers State as the local government elections set for today approach.
The atmosphere is thick with apprehension as citizens brace for the electoral process amid security concerns and legal compliance issues.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed that the police will follow the Federal High Court ruling from Abuja, which bars both the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from participating in the elections.
This move follows directives from the Force Legal Department, stressing the need to respect judicial orders throughout the election process.
The statement read, “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.
“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.
“Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.”
Reacting, the All Progressives Congress loyal to a former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, said the decision was an aberration.
Chizi Enyim, the Chief of Staff to the state APC chairman, Emeka Beke, criticized the police for not arresting those who protested at the command headquarters, urging the police not to participate in the election.
Enyim stated, “First of all, the APC is participating in the election and we have fielded chairmanship and councillorship candidates. What the police are saying is a decision to the rule of law.
“The said judgement by Hon. Justice Lifu did not even say that the election should be stopped but that the police should not cover and also that INEC should not release voter register to RSIEC. But as we speak, the voter register has been displayed in almost all the polling units across the state. So, those who are not comfortable with the situation should go to court.
“What the police are doing is trying to overthrow the government of Siminalayi Fubara and why is the IG interested in the affairs of Rivers people because it is his duty to protect those who are going to vote. Those who said they would not participate should go to court and if the court invalidates the election, fine and good. The election has not been invalidated so what is the IG’s interest?”
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and media aide to the Rivers State Governor, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said the decision of the police to withdraw from the election would not make any difference.
He stated, “I think all the elections that have been happening in this country, there is always tension. You saw what happened in Edo State and all the shenanigans; the police were there and all those things happened.
“Even all the serious violence that has been happening in elections, they have always been there. So, why not do something different to see if this one will be far better than the ones we have been seeing before? So, for me, the police not participating has no effect.
“Don’t also forget that the citizens have a right. Citizens can arrest criminals and hand them over to the police. “But, I also hope that the police are not telling us that tomorrow is a crime-free day that anything can just happen and nobody will be prosecuted because they are the ones that lay the foundation for anything like that to happen.”
However, the APC, led by Chief Tony Okocha, and the PDP, led by Chukwuemeka Aaromin, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, boycotted the election, citing lack of due process by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
