Inspector-General of Police, Kayode EgbetokunKayode Egbetokun, says the outburst of Governor Similanayi Fubara on the eve of the Rivers Local Government election was needless.
Following some developments in the state, Fubara had accused Egbetokun of taking sides with some politicians in Abuja, an allegation the top cop denied.
The governor also accused the police of bias for withdrawing from providing security in the election. He had vowed to hold the IGP responsible of there was breakdown of law in the state.
“I am saying this here so that the IGP should be aware and just to know that any action that will bring a situation of lawlessness in this state and I think at the end of the day, he should be prepared to take responsibility,” Fubara had said at a press conference.
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But responding in a statement which Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Egbetokun explained the role of the police in the crisis.
“In response to the misinformation circulating in the media space with regards to the actions of the Nigeria Police Force in the Rivers State political arena, particularly regarding the just concluded Rivers State Local Government elections, the Force wishes to debunk the prevailing falsehood of partisanship and reaffirms its neutrality and non-interference in political affairs within the State and the country in general, as the NPF only acted in line with an existing court judgment of the Federal High Court.”
“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 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 (SAN).
“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 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.”
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