PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force for not providing security for the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State.
The NBA expressed concern over the police’s stance, which it views as violating their constitutional duty to protect lives and property, especially during an electoral process.
In a statement titled “The Nigeria Police Force Cannot Shirk Their Responsibility to Provide Security in Rivers State,” NBA President Afam Osigwe condemned the Rivers State Police’s decision, which was announced by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko.
The police had indicated that they would not provide security for the elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The NBA statement, shared on Osigwe’s official X handle (@afamosigwe), emphasized that the police’s refusal to provide security is a troubling abdication of their constitutional duty.
“The responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and cannot be restrained by any court,” the statement read.
Controversy Surrounding the Elections
The NBA’s statement follows a series of controversies in Rivers State surrounding the conduct of the local government elections.
Tensions have been heightened by allegations that some police officers attempted to steal electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters under the cover of night, a claim that has further fueled distrust between political stakeholders and security agencies.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been at odds with Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of bias and interference in the electoral process.
The governor has previously stated that the IGP would be held accountable if there were any breakdown in law and order during the elections.
NBA’s Position on the Police’s Withdrawal
The NBA strongly opposed the police’s claim that a court order had directed them not to work with the electoral commission.
“Even if a court has directed the Police not to work with the Electoral Commission in Rivers State, nothing says the Police should not provide security for peace and order in Rivers State,” the statement noted.
Osigwe emphasized that securing lives and property is a constitutional duty for the police, and any attempt to shirk this responsibility could lead to lawlessness.
“The refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy,” the NBA stated.
The legal body called on the police to urgently seek to overturn any court order that may prevent them from fulfilling their responsibilities.
“The Police must ensure they discharge their duties at all times and urgently take steps to set aside any judgment that seeks to prevent them from discharging their constitutional responsibilities.”
Concerns Over Democracy and Rule of Law
The NBA further warned that any failure to provide security for the elections would not only violate constitutional obligations but also threaten the democratic process in Rivers State.
“It is, in every sense, a direct attack on the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria as a whole. In fact, it threatens our democracy,” the statement read.
The organisation vowed to monitor the situation closely, reiterating that the security of elections is a non-negotiable responsibility for the police.
“The security of elections and indeed every other activity are not matters for negotiation. They are constitutional responsibilities that must be carried out by the police at all times.”
As the local government elections proceed amid rising tensions, the NBA’s condemnation highlights the ongoing debate over security, governance, and the rule of law in Rivers State.
The police’s refusal to provide security remains a contentious issue as the state prepares for a crucial electoral exercise.
