By Tina Amanda
The Civil-Military, Police and Paramilitary Relations in Nigeria in collaboration with Relief International Africa Human Rights Clinics, has condemned the recent actions of the Nigeria Police in Rivers State, accusing them of engaging in partisan conduct.
According to a statement issued today, by the Coordinator of Civil-military, Police, and Paramilitary Relations in Nigeria, Green Isaac, alleged that the Police aided and abetted illegal activities under the guise of law enforcement.
The statement cites the recent siege laid on Rivers State Council secretariats and the Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office just 24 hours before the scheduled local government elections.
The police reportedly acted in the name of enforcing a non-existent court judgment, which the organizations describe as “a blatant act of brigandage” and “an aberration.”
The conduct of the police is being widely criticized as a direct assault on democratic principles. “Law enforcement agencies should serve to protect justice and citizens’ rights, not interfere in the democratic process,” the statement said, adding that the police’s actions jeopardize the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
The group further emphasized that law enforcement must remain impartial and committed to upholding fairness, neutrality, and justice in discharging their duties. The statement expressed concern that the actions of the Rivers State Police threaten the peace and stability of the democratic process.
They called for an immediate end to the siege and urged authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. The statement warned that allowing such actions to continue unchecked could undermine democracy and violate the oaths of service taken by Nigeria’s security agencies.
The organizations reiterated the need for law enforcement to operate within the bounds of legality, free from political interference, and stressed the importance of protecting Nigeria’s democratic process.
