The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality in the Rivers State Local Government elections, stressing that all actions taken by the Rivers State Police Command are in strict compliance with a Federal High Court order.
The court had barred the police from participating directly in the election process, prompting the police to limit their role to maintaining security.
Advertorial
In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the police responded to accusations made by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The governor had alleged undue interference by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the police force in the electoral process.
Clarifying the situation, the police noted that the court order, which was served to both the Nigeria Police and the Rivers State Government, was being strictly adhered to.
Advertorial
The IGP directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to avoid direct involvement in the election.
However, on the night of October 3, 2024, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police received reports that officers from the Government House had been deployed to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) office.
The IGP then authorized the withdrawal of these officers and replaced them with personnel from the Command’s Operations Department to provide overnight security for the RIEC facility.
Advertorial
The police emphasized that this action was based on intelligence reports indicating possible security threats, including previous breaches and tensions between political factions in the state.
The deployment was aimed at protecting the RIEC office from potential attacks.
The police expressed shock over Governor Fubara’s late-night visit to the RIEC office, during which he criticized the police and accused them of interfering with the election.
Advertorial
The statement condemned the governor’s outburst, describing it as an unwarranted attack on the police institution and the IGP.
The police also cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, particularly the governor’s threats of violence in response to the local government election.
The force assured the public that it remained committed to ensuring peace and security throughout Rivers State and urged citizens to continue with their normal activities.
Advertorial
In light of the situation, the IGP has ordered an increased deployment of officers across the state to maintain law and order.
