The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed it will not participate in the October 5 local government elections, following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja. Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, stated that the command will fully comply with the court’s directive that prohibits their involvement in the elections.

This decision comes just 24 hours after members of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by state chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, staged a protest against the election’s conduct. The protesters, who marched to the Department of State Services and the State Police Command in Port Harcourt, urged both agencies to respect the court’s ruling and withdraw from any involvement in the election. Chukwuemeka also submitted a petition and a copy of the court’s judgment to the officials.

While adhering to the ruling, the police made it clear that this does not mean security would be compromised. The police command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, explained that officers will still maintain law and order, ensuring no breaches of security occur during the election period.

“The Nigeria Police Force will comply with the Federal High Court’s judgment,” Iringe-Koko said in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt. She noted that the Force Legal Department confirmed the ruling of September 30, 2024, takes precedence over any other considerations.

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The police statement highlighted a series of legal challenges that led to this decision. On July 19, 2024, the Federal High Court first issued a restraining order preventing police and security agencies from providing security during the local government election. A subsequent ruling on September 30, 2024, reaffirmed this stance, barring police involvement.

Iringe-Koko also urged all parties involved to seek proper legal channels if they are dissatisfied with any part of the electoral process. She reassured the public that the police are dedicated to maintaining law and order, stating that “necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders.”

The police called on other security agencies to comply with the court’s ruling and advised citizens to remain peaceful throughout the election process. The directive has already been communicated to all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders across Rivers State to ensure full compliance.