…..Frowned At Police Attempt To Block LG Polls
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vehemently condemned what he described as an attempt by rogue elements of the Nigerian Police Force to block the state’s local government elections.
The incident occurred at around 1 AM on Friday, October 4, 2024, just a day before the scheduled polls, when a group of policemen, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), allegedly tried to seize control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters.
According to eyewitnesses, “the rogue officers attempted to scale the gates of the RSIEC office in a bid to breach the strong room and access sensitive electoral materials crucial to the local government election process”.
However, the alertness of the security personnel on duty led to a swift response, thwarting the attempt.
Governor Fubara, upon receiving reports of the incident, mobilized senior government officials, lawmakers, political stakeholders, and other key leaders to the RSIEC facility. Their presence helped to prevent the takeover attempt, ensuring that the electoral process remained intact.
Addressing the situation in a strongly-worded statement at the RSIEC headquarters, Fubara lashed out at the police and federal authorities for what he perceived as a deliberate attempt to undermine the state’s democratic process.
“They said DC Operation brought them here to withdraw the policemen that are already here protecting this place so that new officers will take over the place?” Fubara asked. “But I have to say this on a very strong note. We’ve been taking enough nonsense from this institution.”
The governor criticized the police for overstepping their bounds, referring to a court judgment that had recently caused tensions in the state. He questioned why the police were acting on a ruling that, in his view, did not prohibit the election from taking place.
“Everybody is aware of the court judgment, and even the judgment as they call it, did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not hold?” Fubara questioned. “It said don’t give the voters register. What are we doing with it? Okay, police don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election?”
In an emotional outburst, the governor took aim at the Inspector General of Police, accusing him of compromising the integrity of the force in Rivers State. Fubara expressed frustration at the undue influence he believed was being exerted by a powerful individual in the state.
“I don’t know the relationship between the Inspector General of Police and one person who claims he has so much power in this state,” he said. “I don’t know the relationship because it’s beginning to go beyond a professional relationship.”
Fubara insisted that the elections must proceed as planned, asserting that the state would provide its own security if necessary.
“We don’t need your security; we will provide our own security after all. It happened in Anambra,” he said. “Go away with your security, but this election must hold. If you like, whatever you want to do, do it. Election would hold, people will be sworn in! I say it here.”
In an even more direct challenge to the federal police force, Fubara warned that he would personally return to the RSIEC office if any further attempts were made to interfere with the election.
“I will be there. In fact, if I go back and I hear anybody… I will come. This is my property, and you don’t have any right whatsoever to bar me from entering. Just try it, then part of your history as a very wicked and fraudulent Inspector General of Police will include shooting Fubara,” he declared. “I think I’ve given you enough respect.”
The governor concluded his fiery address by assuring the people of Rivers State that the elections would take place as scheduled.
“Let me say this to all Rivers indigene, everyone residing in Rivers State: Election will hold,” Fubara affirmed. “Election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen. So everybody just relax, nothing is happening. We know that this is going to be the last fight, and we’ll take it to the end.”
The tension-filled standoff has raised concerns over the conduct of the local government elections in Rivers State. With top officials, including members of the State and National Assemblies, stationed at the RSIEC office to maintain the peace, the situation remains closely monitored as the state prepares for Saturday’s polls.
