The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has issued a heightened alert to all officers as the Supreme Court prepares to deliver its judgment on the 2023 Kogi State Governorship election.
The judgment, which is scheduled for August 16, 2024, has raised concerns within the command about the possibility of unrest and disturbances, depending on the outcome.
The case involves the current Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was elected under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Alhaji Muhammed Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The police command’s concern stems from the potential for heightened tensions between political factions and their supporters following the judgment.
To ensure public safety and maintain law and order, the police command has issued an operational directive to all formations and divisions across the state.
This directive emphasizes the need for visible policing and show-of-force tactics as part of a broader strategy to deter any attempts at public disorder.
This directive is detailed in an internal memo, dated August 12, 2024, with the reference number CJ:3910/KGS/DOPS/VOL.14/129.
The memo, titled “Operation Order No.ID/2024: Delivery of Supreme Court Judgment of 2023 Kogi State Governorship Election on Friday, August 16, 2024,” outlines the critical measures that the police will take to manage the situation.
The memo, released to Press on Tuesday states: “The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Friday, August 16, 2024, in Abuja, deliver its judgment in the case between the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Kogi State Gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Muhammed Murtala Ajaka, and other gubernatorial candidates and their political parties.”
It continues by noting the significance of the judgment, recalling that Governor Ododo’s victory was previously upheld by both the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
However, the memo also highlights the concerns that have emerged regarding the potential for unrest, given the charged political atmosphere in the state.
“Remarkably, the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment is a source for concern in the security arena of the State, as political gladiators and their supporters may turn the celebration of victory or loss into an avenue to cause chaos that could give rise to grave animosity against whichever side the judgment might favor or fail,” the memo reads.
“Such might result in serious disturbance of public peace. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.”
In response to these concerns, the memo outlines several key responsibilities for the police.
These include the protection of lives and property, the deployment of personnel to strategic locations, placing all personnel on red alert, and ensuring visible policing through show-of-force tactics.
The memo also calls for effective patrols of highways and areas prone to political violence, as well as the implementation of contingency plans to address any security challenges that may arise before, during, and after the delivery of the judgment.
The memo further details how manpower for the operation will be drawn from various units within the Command, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to maintaining peace and security across Kogi State during this critical period.
