Rivers State Governor in Nigeria, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed surprise and disappointment at the police’s alleged attempt to invade the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises and disrupt the planned local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
During a media briefing at the government house in Port Harcourt on Friday, October 4, 2024, Governor Fubara questioned why Rivers State is being singled out, particularly in targeting an electoral body that falls under state jurisdiction.
Fubara noted that he had received prior information suggesting that the police intended to withdraw from the local government elections, making the alleged invasion even more surprising. He clarified that a court ruling from Abuja had instructed the police not to provide security for the elections, but it did not mandate the sealing of RSIEC premises or interference with the election process.
The governor emphasized that a previous ruling from the Rivers State High Court should take precedence, as it was issued first. He further stressed the importance of conducting the elections in compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which the Federal Government is set to implement. According to Fubara, obstructing the elections would have significant consequences, particularly on the welfare of local government workers.
In his address, Governor Fubara urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take responsibility for any disruptions during the elections, warning that any attempt to stop the elections would be met with firm resistance. Despite the tension, Fubara reaffirmed that the elections would proceed as scheduled, with the elected officials being sworn in. “We are prepared, we are prepared,” he declared.
Earlier on Friday, Fubara and his team visited RSIEC, where he allegedly prevented the police from removing election materials. He explained that a formal request for protection had been sent to the National Security Adviser, the IGP, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, along with a copy of the Rivers State High Court judgment. Fubara concluded by stating that the presence of police at polling units was unnecessary, expressing confidence that other security agencies could maintain law and order.
