Civil-Military, Police & Paramilitary Relations in Nigeria and Relief International Africa Human Rights Clinics Condemning Partisan Conduct by Nigeria Police in Rivers State
It has come to our attention with great concern that the Nigeria police in Rivers State have engaged in partisan conduct, aiding and abetting illegality under the guise of law enforcement. The recent actions of laying siege to the Rivers State council secretariats and again the replay of same in the Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, just 24 hours before the conduct of the local government elections, in the name of enforcing a non-existent court judgment, is not only an aberration but a blatant act of brigandage.
We strongly frown upon this reprehensible action, which represents a direct assault on the very tenets of democracy. The duty of law enforcement agencies is to uphold justice and protect the rights of citizens, not to interfere in the democratic process or support unlawful actions. By besieging the RSIEC office and disrupting the electoral process, the police have overstepped their mandate, putting the sanctity of our democratic system at risk.
The impartiality of law enforcement is critical to the preservation of democracy in any society. The conduct of the Rivers State Police in this instance calls into question their commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, neutrality, and justice, which are essential in the discharge of their duties. Law enforcement agencies should serve the people, not political interests or other vested agendas.
We demand an immediate cessation of this unlawful siege and urge the relevant authorities to investigate the situation and hold those responsible to account. Such actions threaten the peace and stability of our democracy and must not be allowed to stand.
It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in the civil, military, police, and paramilitary communities to ensure that law enforcement operates within the bounds of legality and without prejudice. Any action that undermines the democratic process is a betrayal of the Nigerian people and the oath of service sworn by our security agencies.
As we look to the future, we call for continued vigilance in ensuring that law enforcement remains a neutral and professional body, focused on maintaining law and order without political interference or manipulation.
Signed,
Amb. Green Isaac (Afp, AIPM)
Coordinator,
Civil-Military, Police & Paramilitary Relations in Nigeria