The Nigeria Police Force has directed its commanders to enforce a Federal High Court ruling that prevents the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State from taking place.
The election, originally scheduled for tomorrow, is now in limbo following legal interventions.
Earlier, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State led a delegation to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office in Port Harcourt to prevent what appeared to be an attempt to steal election materials.
It was reported that policemen, allegedly from neighboring Abia State, had stormed the facility to execute the plan but were foiled by the Governor and his loyalists.
In a statement, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the State Police Command, reiterated that a Federal High Court order issued in Abuja on July 19, 2024, restrains the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security for the election.
The police affirmed they had received legal advice from the Force Legal Department to follow the ruling from the September 30, 2024, court judgment, which further prohibited their participation in the election.
The statement emphasized that the ruling takes precedence, and all officers, including Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders, have been directed to ensure compliance with the court's orders.
The police urged any aggrieved parties to seek legal redress if they disagree with the decisions or actions taken regarding the election.
Meanwhile, opposition parties in Rivers State recently protested, calling for strict adherence to court rulings and pledging their commitment to upholding the law.
The police assured the public that law and order will be maintained, vowing to take necessary actions to enforce the court's directives.