The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians and the international community to hold the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) accountable for the destruction of law and order in Rivers State.
Naija News reports that the PDP in a statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, appeals to residents of Rivers State to go to vote en masse in the local government area elections to be held across the state on Saturday, October 5, 2024. I called out.
Mr. Ologunagba said RSIEC confirmed that it had prepared and possessed the necessary materials to conduct the elections, arguing that courts under the Electoral Act 2022 cannot halt the process.
The PDP added that Mr. Egbetokun has a constitutional duty to provide an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of local government elections.
The statement reads: “PDP maintains that the right to civilian control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federal unit belongs to the people of the state at large and that such right, including participation in local government area elections, cannot be abridged or misappropriated. ” by any person, group, or organization under any guise.
“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. The court has the power to stop the election under the Elections Act 2022 (as amended).
“For the avoidance of doubt, section 84(15) of the Elections Act 2022 provides that: “Nothing in this section shall cause a court to suspend the holding of a primary or general election under that Act pending determination of the action. It does not confer any authority.”
“The PDP takes extremely seriously the attempt by the APC-controlled police force to shorten, subvert and disrupt the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area elections, contrary to the will of the people, the judgment of the Supreme Court and the express provisions. Condemns in strong terms the Elections Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Reports of infiltration of RSIEC facilities by police personnel allegedly to disrupt the conduct of elections are a direct affront to our democracy and the rule of law. It was staunchly resisted by the determined people of Rivers State.
“The police and the APC believe that the people of Rivers State are peace-loving and law-abiding, but they are not willing to suppress their will by any means necessary, especially in the state House of Assembly, when it comes to choosing who will govern them. It should be noted that it should never be allowed to be shortened, appropriated or subverted” at the local government level.
“@OfficialPDPNig is calling on Nigerians and the international community to hold @OfficialAPCNg and the Inspector General of Police accountable for any breakdown of law and order in Rivers State at this time.
“The Inspector General of Police @PoliceNG, 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 Rivers State Local Government Area. We call on all of us to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-won democracy and the stability of our country, Nigeria.”
