The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the Rivers State Police Command’s decision not to provide security for the local government elections scheduled for today, October 5, 2024. The police’s refusal is based on a Federal High Court order, which the NBA argues is unconstitutional and undermines democracy.
According to a statement released by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, the police have a constitutional duty to ensure peace and security in Rivers State, which cannot be restrained by any court order. The NBA said it’s concerned that the police’s refusal to provide security may lead to a breakdown of law and order and threaten democracy.
The controversy surrounding the elections has been heightened by conflicting judgments from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The NBA called for an immediate investigation into reports of police attempts to tamper with electoral materials and has urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that errant officers are disciplined.
The NBA vowed to closely monitor the situation and engage with stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to the judicial conflict. The association emphasized that the protection of democracy and the rule of law must remain the highest priority.
The statement read in part, “We call on all security agencies to rise to the challenge of protecting lives, property, and democracy during this critical time.
“Furthermore, we urge the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate investigation into these troubling report that Policemen sought to cart away electoral materials and ensure that any errant officers involved are swiftly and appropriately disciplined, regardless of whose interests are affected.
“The NBA has also taken note of the conflicting judgments from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja concerning the scheduled Local Government elections. It is deeply disheartening and amounts to judicial rascality that courts of concurrent jurisdiction are issuing contradictory orders on the same matter.
“The NBA is committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to this constant judicial conflict, as the consistency and coherence of the law are fundamental to its effectiveness.
“The protection of our democracy and the upholding of the rule of law must remain the highest priority.”
