The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Nigerian Police for refusing to provide security for the local government elections in Rivers State. The NBA’s statement comes amid growing concerns over the conduct of these elections, which are scheduled for today, October 5, 2024.
NBA President Afam Osigwe released a statement on social media, expressing deep concern about the situation. He highlighted a statement from the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, indicating that police would not be present to ensure security during the elections.
In the statement, the NBA noted, “The Nigerian Bar Association has noted with deep concerns the controversies and actions of actors relating to and pertaining to the scheduled Local Government elections in Rivers State.” They referred to reports suggesting that some police officers attempted to take electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office during the night.
The NBA criticized the police for seemingly abandoning their duty to protect citizens. They stated, “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 association emphasized that the police’s responsibility to protect lives and properties is constitutional and cannot be ignored, even in compliance with a court order. They stressed, “The duty to secure the lives and property of the people is one that should never be restrained by the court.”
The NBA further stated that any position that leaves the people unprotected is “utterly unacceptable” and condemned the police’s refusal to provide security as an “abdication of responsibility” and a violation of their constitutional duties.
The statement concluded with a call to the police to uphold their constitutional mandate to protect citizens, particularly during elections. The NBA vowed to closely monitor the situation, stating, “The security of elections and indeed every other activity are not matters for negotiation.”
This controversy surrounding election security comes amid tensions between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Inspector General of Police, who have been in conflict over issues of bias and electoral conduct in the state.
As Rivers State residents head to the polls today, the NBA’s call for police protection underscores the critical importance of maintaining security and order during this electoral process.
