NBA President Condemns Police Refusal To Provide Security For Rivers State Elections
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has expressed deep concern over the refusal of the Nigeria Police Force to provide security for the upcoming Local Government elections in Rivers State, scheduled for October 5, 2024. Osigwe described the decision as an “unacceptable abdication of constitutional responsibility” and warned that it poses a serious threat to democracy and public safety.
In a statement, Osigwe addressed the controversy surrounding the elections, noting that the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, had issued a statement indicating that the police would not provide security for the elections, allegedly in compliance with a court order.
“The NBA finds it deeply troubling that the Police would brazenly issue a statement that they would shirk their constitutional responsibility of providing security in Rivers State. Even if a court has directed the Police not to work with the Electoral Commission, nothing says the Police should not provide security for peace and order,” Osigwe stated.
He emphasized that the primary duty of the police is to ensure peace and security, and this responsibility cannot be restrained by any court order. “The duty to secure the lives and property of the people is one that should never be restrained by the court. The Police must ensure they discharge their duties at all times,” he added.
Osigwe condemned any attempt to leave the people of Rivers State unprotected, calling the situation “utterly unacceptable” and warning that it could lead to a breakdown of law and order. “To do otherwise may enthrone a reign of terror or a breakdown of law and order. The people of Rivers must never be left unprotected, no matter what,” he said.
The NBA President also raised alarm over reports that some police officers were allegedly involved in an attempt to remove electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters. He called for an immediate investigation by the Inspector General of Police, stressing that any officers involved in such activities must be disciplined swiftly.
Osigwe further criticized the conflicting court rulings from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding the scheduled elections, describing it as “judicial rascality” and a threat to the consistency of the legal system.
“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,” Osigwe noted.
In his closing remarks, Osigwe called on all security agencies to uphold their duty to protect lives, property, and the democratic process, stressing that “the protection of our democracy and the upholding of the rule of law must remain the highest priority.”
