The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has declared the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) decision to withhold security for the upcoming Local Government elections in Rivers State as unconstitutional. This declaration comes ahead of the elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, across 22 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA stressed that the police have a statutory duty to ensure adequate security during elections, a responsibility it argues is constitutional and cannot be legally restrained by any court.
NBA’s Concerns
The NBA’s statement addressed several key concerns:
- Constitutional Obligation: The association condemned the police’s stance, asserting that their duty to maintain peace and security during elections is fundamental to their role and cannot be neglected, regardless of any court orders.
- Investigation of Allegations: The NBA called for an immediate investigation into reports suggesting that police officers attempted to remove electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office at night.
- Response to Police Statement: The NBA highlighted the troubling nature of the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer’s (PPRO) statement indicating a refusal to provide security, viewing it as an alarming abdication of duty. The NBA noted that even if a court had issued an order affecting the police’s cooperation with the electoral commission, it should not prevent them from ensuring public safety.
- Threat to Democracy: The NBA characterized the refusal to provide security as not only unconstitutional but also a dangerous signal that undermines democracy and invites potential lawlessness.
- Public Safety Concerns: The statement emphasized that the lives and properties of the people in Rivers State must be protected, insisting that any action or position leaving the populace vulnerable is unacceptable.
The Nigerian Bar Association firmly asserts that the police must fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and maintain public order, particularly during significant democratic events such as elections. The NBA’s condemnation of the police’s decision underscores the vital role of law enforcement in safeguarding democracy and the rights of citizens in Nigeria.