A political storm is brewing in Rivers State ahead of the scheduled local government elections on Saturday, October 5, 2024.The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its officers from providing security for the polls, citing two Federal High Court rulings. The police decision, was announced in a statement on October 3 by Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command.
The police cited court orders from July 19 and September 30, 2024, which prohibited security agencies from participating in the election. According to the police statement, “The Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.” The statement added that all commanders and divisional officers have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the court judgment, effectively pulling police support from the election.
On September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a ruling that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The court also issued orders prohibiting the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the election, effectively throwing the legitimacy of the polls into question. In response, INEC confirmed on October 2 that it had not released the voter register to RSIEC, in deference to the court's ruling.
As legal battles rage, the streets of Rivers State have become a focal point for protests. On October 3, a large crowd besieged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, expressing their opposition to the planned election. Protesters chanted slogans against the perceived illegitimacy of the vote, reflecting the growing anxiety among residents.
Despite the mounting opposition, Governor Fubara has remained resolute in his decision to proceed with the election. He declared public holidays on Thursday and Friday, clearing the path for the election to take place. Fubara argued that failing to hold the election would result in the state violating a Supreme Court ruling, which bars the federal government from funding local governments overseen by appointed officials. According to Fubara, if the election does not occur, local government workers in Rivers State could lose their salaries, leading to widespread economic instability.
Adding to the complexity, Governor Fubara has secured an order from a High Court in Rivers State, which supports his push to go ahead with the elections. He has vowed that the local government polls will be conducted as scheduled on October 5, despite the Federal High Court rulings and the withdrawal of police support. "Our focus is to prevent the state from defaulting on the Supreme Court’s judgment, and we will hold the election to protect the rights of our people,” Fubara declared.
