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Rethinking Police Role in Elections: Lessons from Rivers State
Rethinking Police Role in Elections: Lessons from Rivers State
By Tobouke JEMINE
The recent local government elections in Rivers State have sparked a national conversation on the role of police in Nigeria’s electoral process. The polls, which were largely peaceful, were conducted without police presence due to a court order.
This unusual circumstance has raised questions about the necessity of police involvement in elections. Some stakeholders argue that the police presence often leads to interference, intimidation, and manipulation, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
*A Peaceful Election Without Police*
Chief Edwin Clark, convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), hailed the Rivers State experience as a remarkable achievement. “The people of Rivers State have shown that polls can be conducted successfully without police security,” he said.
Rev. Joseph Hayab, former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, echoed Clark’s sentiments. “The Rivers State experience demonstrates that Nigerians can be orderly, responsible, and patriotic,” he stated.
*Counterarguments*
However, not everyone shares the same optimism. Barrister Obono Obla, a senior lawyer and former Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, cautioned against comparing local government elections to federal polls. “The stakes are higher in federal elections, and the police are needed to maintain law and order,” he argued.
Uwemedimo Nwoko (SAN), a former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, also expressed reservations. “Security situations can be dynamic, and the police have a statutory and constitutional responsibility to provide security during elections,” he said.
*Alternative Solutions*
Some experts suggest replacing police with civil defense personnel, who are perceived as less partisan and more neutral. Prof. Gbade Ojo, a political scientist, noted that civil defense units could help restore public confidence in the electoral process.
However, others argue that civil defense personnel lack the training and authority to manage electoral security effectively. Otunba Tayo Onayemi, Convener of the Yoruba Commitment Forum, emphasized that the police still command respect and sympathy to discharge their duties credibly.
*The Way Forward*
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of electoral security, the Rivers State experience offers valuable lessons. While some advocate for reduced police involvement, others insist on their continued presence.
Kennedy Peretei, Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party in Ondo State, suggested that the people should take ownership of the electoral process. “The Rivers LG election shows that peaceful elections are possible without police presence,” he said.
The debate on police role in elections is far from over. As Nigeria strives for free, fair, and credible polls, stakeholders must weigh the pros and cons of police involvement and explore alternative solutions to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Source: Vanguard News
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice