Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock and disappointment over an alleged attempt by the Nigerian police to interfere in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. During a press conference held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara detailed how officers stormed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises in an apparent effort to steal sensitive electoral materials.
Fubara revealed that early on Friday morning, he received a security report that the police had withdrawn from guarding the RSIEC premises. Concerned, he personally visited the site and discovered police officers attempting to break into the commission’s office.
The governor claimed that the officers, acting under directives from the Rivers State Command and Abuja headquarters, were deliberately trying to disrupt the election. However, their actions were thwarted. Fubara voiced concerns over the police’s involvement, accusing them of becoming adversaries to the state’s lawful processes.
Fubara questioned why the RSIEC, a state-controlled body, was being targeted and if any court ruling justified such actions. He emphasized that legal and security preparations for the election were completed, with citizens fully informed, and accused the police of acting on behalf of political interests.
The incident has sparked concerns about the integrity of the upcoming election in Rivers State.
