NBA to Police: You Should Be Concerned if Court Stops You from Securing Rivers Voters

• The Nigerian Bar Association emphasized that the police have a constitutional duty to ensure public safety, especially during elections in Rivers State
• NBA President Afam Osigwe criticized the police’s refusal to provide security for upcoming local government elections, citing concerns over public safety

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional duty to provide security for citizens, including those in Rivers State.

In a statement on Friday, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) stated that the police should always prioritize public safety and be concerned if any court order seeks to prevent them from fulfilling this responsibility.

“The duty to protect lives and property is fundamental and should never be restrained by the court,” Osigwe said.

He urged the police to ensure they carry out their duties and to swiftly seek legal recourse to overturn any judgment that prevents them from performing their constitutional obligations.

“Failure to do so could lead to chaos, endangering public safety and order. The people of Rivers State must always be protected, no matter the circumstances,” Osigwe added.

The NBA expressed concern over the growing controversies surrounding the scheduled local government elections in Rivers State, specifically noting the statement from the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko.

The statement indicated that the police would not provide security during the upcoming elections, scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, due to a court order.

In addition, the NBA cited disturbing reports alleging that some police officers had attempted to steal election materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters in the middle of the night.

The NBA agreed with a statement released by local NBA branches, stressing that it is troubling for the police to declare their refusal to provide security in compliance with a court order. Osigwe emphasized that the police should prioritize the safety of the people of Rivers State, irrespective of legal challenges.