The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over the security arrangements for the Rivers State local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5.
This concern arose from a controversial announcement by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, that the police would refrain from providing security during the elections, citing compliance with a Federal High Court order.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from handing over Rivers State voter registration to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) ahead of the local government elections scheduled for on October 5.
In the ruling handed down on Monday, Judge Peter Lifu also banned the inspector general of police and the State Security Service (SSS) from providing security during the disputed elections.
The ruling came in a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which questioned the legitimacy of the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Friday, NBA President Afam Osigwe described the police's refusal to carry out its constitutional mandate to maintain peace and security as a “blatant” decision.
Osigwe highlighted worrying reports that police officers had allegedly attempted to confiscate electoral materials from the headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at night.
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The presidents of the Rivers State branch of the NBA had previously maintained that the police had a non-negotiable duty to ensure public safety.
Echoing a similar view, Osigwe said: “The responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and no court can limit it.”
He noted the troubling implications of a law enforcement agency refusing to protect citizens during a crucial election process.
Legal and democratic concerns
The association considered that the police's refusal to provide security was not only unconstitutional but also a serious threat to democratic rights.
Osigwe argued that such an abdication of responsibility could create an environment conducive to anarchy, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
He warned: “The refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral and a dangerous signal that invites anarchy and undermines democracy.”
The NBA has called on all security agencies to rise to the challenge of safeguarding lives, property and the democratic process during this critical period.
He urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to launch an immediate investigation into reports of police attempts to tamper with election materials and ensure that officers found guilty are held accountable.
Governor Fubara's confrontation with the police
Tensions have further risen with Governor Siminalayi Fubara's public confrontation with the police's decision to suspend security during the elections.
PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Governor Fubara declared that citizens of Rivers State would take it upon themselves to protect their voting rights.
He said, “We've had enough nonsense from this institution,” referring to the police.
He criticized the contradictory court orders issued by both the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, which have created uncertainty over the elections.
He suggested that the police's actions could be influenced by political motives, particularly the influence of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over law enforcement.
Governor Fubara questioned the motive behind the police's refusal to provide security, stating: “Okay, the police are not providing security, is that the same as blocking elections?”
The local government elections in Rivers State have been mired in acrimony, an episode in the escalating feud between Governor Fubara and Mr Wike.
Governor Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to holding the elections as scheduled, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic governance in light of the State High Court order.
On the contrary, both the All Progressive Congress and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have organized a joint protest against the elections, citing concerns related to the Federal High Court order.