- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the decision of the Nigerian Police Force’s (NPF) plot to boycott Rivers local government election set to hold today.
This was contained in a statement issued on the association’s official X handle by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe.
Reacting to the development, Osigwe maintained that the Force are constitutionally mandated to protect citizens- with Rivers people inclusive.
He said the Police owes Rivers state the responsibility of protecting them regardless of court ruling.
The statement read in part; “The NBA President noted that the decision of the Rivers Police Command to steer clear of the election is a violation of their constitutional duty.
“The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA has noted with deep concerns, the controversies and actions of actors relating to and pertaining the scheduled Local Government elections in Rivers State.
“The NBA has noted with particular interest the statement released by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, which indicates that the Rivers State Police will not provide security during the Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5,
“The NBA has also read the disturbing report that some Policemen were alleged to have attempted to cart away electoral materials in the dead of the Night at the Head office of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.
“We agree with the statement issued by the Chairmen of NBA Branches in Rivers State as we find it deeply troubling that the Police would brazenly issue a statement that they would shirk their constitutional responsibility of providing security in Rivers State in purported compliance with an order of court. 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 responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and cannot be restrained by any court.
“The Police should at all times provide security for the good people of Nigeria and should in fact be worried if any court order purports to prevent them from discharging this responsibility.
“The duty to secure the lives and property of the people is one that should never be restrained by the court.
“The Police as well as all Nigerians should be concerned that such a statement was issued by the Police confirming they would abdicate their duty.
“The Police must ensure they discharge their duties at all times and urgently take steps to set aside any judgement that seeks to prevent them from discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
“To do otherwise may enthrone a reign of terror or breakdown of law and order. The people of Rivers must never be left unprotected, no matter what.”
Meanwhile, Osigwe charged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the alleged plot to cart away electoral materials by some of his officials.