The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has expressed worries regarding the security arrangements for the Rivers State Local Government elections slated for Saturday, October 5, 2024.
This is coming amidst the controversy surrounding the conduct of the election following aa Federal High Court judgment barring the Nigeria Police Force from providing security for the election.
Recall that in a statement, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the Command would refrain from providing security during the elections. She cited compliance with a Federal High Court order.
IVNTV NEWS reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from releasing the register of voters for Rivers State to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, ahead of the Local Government elections scheduled for October 5.
The Judge, Peter Lifu, while delivering judgment on Monday, also barred the Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) from providing security for the controversial elections.
The judgement was in a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which challenged the legitimacy of the election process.
But reacting to the controversy surrounding the LG election, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, President, Afam Osigwe condemned the police. He described the decision by the police as “brazen” decision.
In a statement released on Friday, the NBA President faulted the police’s refusal to fulfil their constitutional mandate. This, he said, include the maintenance of peace and security in the State.
Osigwe noted the troubling reports that police officers had allegedly attempted to seize electoral materials from the headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at night.
Supporting the NBA President, the Rivers State Chairman of Association, stated that the police had a non-negotiable duty to ensure public safety.
“The responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and cannot be restrained by any court.”
He noted the troubling implications of a law enforcement agency declining to protect citizens during a crucial electoral process.
The NBA, therefore, stated that the police’s refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also a serious threat to democratic rights.
The President argued that such an abdication of responsibility could create an environment conducive to lawlessness. He held that it could also undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
“The refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also illegal. It is immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy.”
The NBA has called on all security agencies to rise to the challenge of safeguarding lives and property. And to protect the democratic process during this critical period.
He, therefore, urged Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to launch an immediate investigation into reports of police attempting to tamper with electoral materials. And to ensure that any officers found culpable are held accountable.
source: Premium Times
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