23rd July, 2024.
The Inspector general of police,
Nigeria police force,
Louis Edet House,
Force Headquarters,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Thro.
The Commissioner of police,
Rivers state police command,
Moscow road,
Port Harcourt.
Dear Inspector General,
UNLOCK THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL IN RIVERS STATE.
We the International human rights protection initiative, write to express our deep concern regarding the recent action by the Nigeria police force, which was a directive from you to lock the local government councils in Rivers state. This action appears to be unlawful and contrary to several constitutional and statutory provisions which are guiding norms of our existence as a Nation
The 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria ( as amended) section 7 guarantee the existence and functions of Local government councils. Thus, the continuous closure of the local government council by the police disrupt it’s constitutionality and the principle of local government councils as enshrined in the constitution.
It is important to remind you that under the Nigeria police Act, 2020. provided the framework for the conduct and duties of the Nigeria police force, according to section 4 of the Act, the police shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the protection of life and property, and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged.
There is no provision within the police Act that authorizes the police force to lock up a local government councils, or interfere with its operations without a valid court, such an action amount to an overreaching of police power and infringement on the functionality of local government councils in Rivers state.
It is imperative to highlight the primary responsibilities of the Nigeria police force, which is in this context, is to provide security for local government workers and individuals conducting legitimate services and business within the local government councils across rivers state.
It has also become imperative to remind you that, the continuous Lock of the local government councils in Rivers state has far-reaching adverse effects on the masses, particularly the local government workers and residents dependent on council services and the disruption of essential services, eg, healthcare, sanitation and primary education etc, the continuous closure of the council has halted these services, effecting the well being and quality of life of the residents.
In the light of the above constitutionality of local government administration, statutory framework of police duties and detrimental effects on the people of rivers state, we urge you to immediately order the reopening of the lock Local government councils in Rivers state.
The action taken by the police is unlawful, unconstitutional and constitute and abuse of power.
We trust that, you will take prompt and appropriate action to rectify this situation.
It is our honest belief that you will not allow this situation to become a judicial interpretation which may be our last resort, if our appeal is not granted.
Your sincerely,
For: International human rights protection initiative.
Comrade John Ihua.
State coordinator.
08135201045.
