The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concerns about the Rivers State Police’s decision not to provide security for the local government elections scheduled for today. The police’s decision was based on a court order, but the NBA believes that this is an abdication of their constitutional responsibility to provide security and ensure peace and order in Rivers State.
The NBA also condemned the police’s attempt to cart away electoral materials and called for an investigation and disciplinary action against the officers involved. Furthermore, the NBA is concerned about the conflicting judgments from the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding the scheduled local government elections, and is committed to finding a sustainable solution to this judicial conflict.
The NBA president, Afam Osigwe, stated that the police’s refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy. He emphasized that the security of elections and other activities are not matters for negotiation and that the police should never shirk in their responsibilities. He stated that the NBA will continue to monitor the situation closely and has called on all security agencies to rise to the challenge of protecting lives, property, and democracy during this critical time especially, in Rivers State.
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