Rivers LG polls: You’re duty-bound to provide security – PDP to IGP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun to ensure the safe conduct of the local government polls in Rivers State.

Recall that the Rivers State Police Command had said its operatives would not provide security for the conduct of the October 5 elections.

The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko said the command is complying with an order of the federal high court in Abuja.

Reacting, the PDP, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, said the IGP is expected to provide a secure environment for the poll.

“The PDP insists that the right to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federating unit belongs to the generality of the people of the State and such right, including participation in Local Government Area election cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group or organization under any guise whatsoever.

“The Party maintains that the people of Rivers State are ready for election; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court and no court under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has the power to stop elections.

“The Inspector General of Police should note that he is duty bound under the Constitution to provide the enabling and secure environment for the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election irrespective of where he stands as an individual.

“Duty calls on him to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-earned democracy and the stability of our nation, Nigeria,” the statement read.

The PDP said the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the IGP should be held responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order in the state.