Local Government chairmen in Rivers State have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a court order to compel the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, to provide them with adequate security for their lives and properties.
The chairmen, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mahmud Abubakar, argued that the IGP, DSS, and other security agencies have a statutory obligation to ensure their security and welfare, as enshrined in Sections 215 of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 4, 7, and 9 of the Police Act 2020.
They also sought a court order against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to prevent the implementation of any laws other than those enacted by the Rivers State House of Assembly for local governments in the state.
The chairmen expressed fears of alleged threats and boasts by the Rivers State Government to disregard and not enforce the laws made by the State House of Assembly for local governments. They sought a declaration that no organ of government has the power to withhold financial allocations due to local governments in the state.
They also requested a declaration that the IGP, DSS DG, Rivers State Police Commissioner Tunji Disu, and others are statutorily bound to provide security and welfare for their lives and properties, and to recognize and enforce all laws and regulations, including those made by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The court has is yet to set a date for the hearing of the originating summons..
