IGP Egbetokun defends police neutrality in Rivers election dispute, rejects Fubara’s allegations

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has responded to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s accusations regarding the role of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the recent local government elections in Rivers State.

Egbetokun dismissed the governor’s claims as “unwarranted” and “without material facts,” emphasizing that the police acted in accordance with court rulings.

The controversy erupted after Governor Fubara accused the police and its Rivers State Command of attempting to interfere with the election process, alleging that they tried to steal election materials.

Fubara also urged the IGP to remain impartial in his role.

In a detailed rebuttal, Egbetokun clarified that the police acted based on legal directives and did not interfere with the election.

According to the IGP, the police were initially served an injunction by the Federal High Court on July 19, 2024, barring them from participating in the local government elections, deeming the process unlawful.

READ ALSO: IGP Egbetokun overhauls Police leadership, reassigns commissioners in key States

However, a subsequent order from the Rivers State High Court on September 4, 2024, instructed the police and federal security agencies to provide security for the elections. The NPF was not a party to this case.

On September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court issued a new judgment, nullifying all activities related to the elections and instructing the police to abstain from providing security.

Egbetokun stated that the police followed legal procedures by forwarding these court orders to their legal section for advice. Based on the legal counsel received, the IGP directed the Rivers State Police Command to adhere to the Federal High Court ruling.

Egbetokun communicated this decision to Governor Fubara in a letter dated October 2, 2024, advising the governor to respect the court ruling in the interest of peace in Rivers State.

The IGP condemned the “misinformation” surrounding the police’s role in the election, describing the governor’s public remarks as “unfair” and “unjustified” towards law enforcement institutions.

He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to neutrality and adherence to legal processes, dismissing any notion of partisanship in the Rivers State elections.