The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to mobilize troops to protect voters participating in the Rivers State local government elections today (Saturday).
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said this in a statement on Friday. He dismissed the threat by the Rivers State Police Command that the police would not participate in the municipal elections.
Mr Ologunagba said the police also could not oppose the electoral process. He maintained that the people of the state and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had indicated their readiness to conduct the municipal elections.
It reads in part: “PDP believes that the right of civilian control over democratic activities in Rivers State as a federal unit belongs to the people of the state at large and that such rights, including participation in local government area elections, cannot be abridged or , it asserts that it cannot be restricted.” It can be plagiarized under any guise by any person, group, or organization.
“The party insists that the people of Rivers State are ready for the elections.The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has also made preparations for the necessary operational materials to conduct the elections in line with the Supreme Court judgment. , prepared and held, and there is no court with powers under the Elections Act 2022 (as amended) to stop the election.
“The Inspector General of Police, irrespective of his personal capacity, should note that he has a constitutional duty to provide a secure environment for the smooth conduct of elections in the Rivers State Local Government Area.
“The mandate calls on him to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-won democracy and the stability of our nation, Nigeria.”
The PDP said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the IGP should be held responsible in case of breakdown of law and order in the state.
