The Rivers State Police Command has announced that it will not allow the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, to proceed, citing legal constraints. The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, issued a statement titled “Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election,” confirming that the police have received a restraining order preventing their involvement in the election.

The police also referred to a Federal High Court ruling issued on September 30, 2024, which bars the force from participating in or providing security for the elections. The command emphasized that its legal department has advised that this ruling takes precedence, effectively halting any police support for the election process.

The statement also mentioned recent protests by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), during which demonstrators called for compliance with the court orders. The protest underscored growing tensions around the election, with opposition voices pushing for adherence to legal rulings amid public pressure to hold the elections as scheduled.

The refusal of the police to provide security for the elections raises significant concerns over the viability of the polls, with fears of unrest if the elections are delayed or canceled. As the situation evolves, the response from both the state government and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) will be critical in determining the next steps for the local government election process.