Rivers State Governor Condemns Police Attempts to Disrupt Electoral Process
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed strong discontent over multiple attempts to obstruct the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for October 5, asserting emphatically that the elections will proceed as planned.
His comments followed an incident early Friday morning when individuals dressed in police uniforms allegedly attempted to seize control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, aiming to access sensitive electoral materials necessary for the elections.
Speaking to reporters outside the RSIEC office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Fubara stated, “We came here this morning upon hearing reports that individuals claiming to be from the Nigeria Police were trying to take over this premises. I felt compelled to investigate such a serious allegation.”
He revealed that a Deputy Commissioner of Police had reportedly orchestrated the attempted takeover to replace the officers currently securing the location with new personnel. “We have tolerated enough nonsense from this institution. Everyone knows the court’s judgment; did it specify that elections should not take place? It merely stated not to provide a voters’ register. What’s the issue?” he questioned.
Fubara further criticized the relationship between the Inspector-General of Police and certain individuals in the state, suggesting that it has strayed from professional norms. “The government sent a letter regarding the court ruling, yet the actions being taken stem from a judgment the Federal High Court issued. But did that judgment ban elections?” he asked.
He reiterated that the Federal High Court ruling only stated that the Nigeria Police should not provide security during the election and that the voters’ register should not be distributed.
In a passionate defense of the electoral process, Fubara declared, “The judge who issued that questionable ruling did not say no elections; rather, he stated to withhold security. We will manage our own security. This election will take place, regardless of any actions taken to prevent it. Results will be announced, and elected officials will be inaugurated.”
Fubara’s remarks reflect a resolve to proceed with the elections despite any interference. He warned, “If I hear of any further attempts to disrupt the process, I will be back here. This is our space, and no one can prevent me from accessing it. Enough is enough!”
He assured the citizens of Rivers State that the elections would happen as planned, stating, “We are prepared for any challenges. This is our final stand, and we will see it through.”
Efforts to contact the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
