The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked what it described as “prevailing falsehood of partisanship” regarding the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement on Monday, Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Olumuyiwa Adejobi reaffirmed the Police neutrality and non-interference in political affairs within Rivers State and the country.
He explained that as the NPF only acted in line with an existing judgement of the Federal High Court.
Adejobi said: “Firstly, the Nigeria Police Force was served with an order of injunction by the Federal High Court made on the 19th of July 2024, barring the Police from participating in the LG election, deeming it unlawful.
“Secondly, the Rivers State High Court issued a counter order on the 4th of September 2024, directing the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies to provide security at the LG elections. It should be noted that the NPF was not joined as a party in this suit.
“And thirdly, the Federal High Court that gave the earlier injunction delivered judgement on 30th September 2024, nullifying all previous activities so far carried in respect of the LG election and ordered the Police to stay away from any attempt to provide security during the said election.
“All these orders and counter orders were served on the Police. The IGP (Inspector General of Police), being a thoroughbred committed to operating within the legal framework, forwarded the three court orders to the Force legal section for advice. For the information of members of the public, the Force legal section boasts of sound and experienced lawyers who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Based on the legal advice received from the Force legal office, the IGP ordered the Rivers State Police Command to abide by the ruling of the Federal High Court, and also communicated the same to the Governor of Rivers State via a letter with reference number CH:3514/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.38/260 dated 2nd of October 2024, where the IGP advised the Governor to also abide by the court ruling in the interest of peace and well-being of the people of Rivers State.
“The misinformation, triggered by the unwarranted outburst of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, based on no material fact, was totally uncalled for, and unfair to the law enforcement institutions in Nigeria, most especially his verbal attack on the person and office of the Inspector-General of Police. For the avoidance of doubts, the general public is free to profile the career journey of the Inspector-General of Police, and his track record in every place he has served, which undoubtedly show him as a man of honour, integrity and focus before and after his assumption of office as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police of Nigeria.
“The IGP is very well respected in the Association of Chiefs of Police, World Wide, particularly in Africa where he is currently serving as the Chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee, and providing meritorious leadership within the West African Chiefs of Police. We have seen Chiefs of Police from across the world coming to attend his events in Nigeria and extending several invitations to him. For the first time, the President of Interpol was at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Police conference and retreat in Owerri last year under this IGP. Let us please observe some decorum in our politics in Nigeria.
“It is also instructive to note that the NPF does not intend to engage in any form of media tussle or war with the person of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, his administration or his political affiliations but will continue to play its role as a neutral body in all forms of political activities, undistracted.
“Similarly, the Local Government elections were generally peaceful nationwide, especially in states where the Police were in charge of security.
“In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, directed the immediate unsealing of all Local Government Council Secretariats in Rivers State which were previously sealed when violence erupted in the state over who controls the local government secretariat between elected chairmen, whose tenure expired, and caretaker committees inaugurated by the state government, which matter was pending in court. The unsealing yesterday (6th of October 2024) after the police received the report that elected chairmen had been sworn in by the state government. The decision to unseal the Local Government secretaries was informed by the need to maintain neutrality in the political development in the state and allow the smooth functioning of democratic institutions in the state.
“The IGP however condemns the spate of violent confrontations and attacks at some local government secretariats leading to destruction of government facilities in the state, immediately after the unsealing of the secretariats. He has promptly tasked the state Commissioner of Police to rise up to the occasion
and restore law and order in the state
“The IGP emphasises the Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order, upholding democratic principles, and fostering peace, unity, and progress across the nation”.
