The Rivers State Police Command has said it will not allow the Local Government Election scheduled for Saturday to be held.
This was made known in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko titled ‘Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election.
In the statement, the police confirmed being in receipt of a restraining order preventing them from providing security during the LGA elections.
The command also said it aware of the 30th September 2024 Court judgement from the Federal High Court Abuja which bars the Force from participating in the election.
The statement further added that the Force Legal Department has advised that the ruling from the 30th of September takes precedence.
The statement also referenced the protest march by the opposition PDP during which they called for an adherence to the court orders.
The statement reads, “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming Local Government Election, particularly in light of recent court rulings.
“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.”
