The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigerian Police’s announcement regarding their withdrawal of security for the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State.

In a statement released by NBA President Afam Osigwe and shared on his official X account (@afamosigwe), the organization emphasized the police’s constitutional duty to ensure public safety during the elections, scheduled for October 5, 2024. The statement, titled “The Nigeria Police Force Cannot Shirk Their Responsibility to Provide Security in Rivers State,” raised alarms over recent actions and statements related to the electoral process.

The NBA highlighted a concerning declaration from Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, which indicated that the police would not provide security during the elections. The association also referenced reports alleging that police officers attempted to steal electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters.

Furthermore, the NBA pointed out that no court ruling has absolved the police from their duty to maintain order and protect lives and property in Rivers State. “We echo the sentiments of the NBA branches in Rivers, expressing deep concern over the police’s blatant declaration to abandon their constitutional obligations,” the statement read.

It asserted that even if a court has advised against collaboration with the Electoral Commission, it does not relieve the police of their duty to uphold peace and security in the region. The NBA emphasized that the police’s role is a constitutional mandate that should not be hindered by any judicial order.

The statement went on to stress that the police’s refusal to provide security could lead to chaos and a breakdown of law and order. “Any situation that leaves citizens vulnerable is entirely unacceptable and warrants strong condemnation from the NBA,” it added.

The association deemed the police’s claims—if accurate—as a significant failure to fulfill their responsibilities, representing a serious violation of constitutional duties. The NBA argued that such a refusal not only undermines democracy but also poses a threat to the rights of the people in Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria as a whole.

In closing, the NBA vowed to keep a close watch on the unfolding situation, reaffirming that the police are constitutionally required to safeguard lives and property, especially during elections. “The security of the electoral process is not negotiable; it is a duty that must be fulfilled by the police without exception,” the statement concluded.

The tensions surrounding the local government elections in Rivers State have been exacerbated by ongoing conflicts between Governor Fubara Siminalayi and the Inspector General of Police, who have traded accusations of bias.

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