Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Tensions are running high in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains steadfast in his decision to proceed with the local government elections scheduled for tomorrow.
The governor has raised serious allegations against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the entire Police Force, accusing them of acting in the interests of an Abuja-based politician to disrupt the electoral process.
Fubara made these claims during a press conference at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday. He asserted that all necessary preparations for the elections logistical, security, and voter mobilization had been completed and could not be hindered by the desires of a single individual.
“Everything that needed to be done regarding the electoral process has been finalized,” Fubara stated, emphasizing the readiness of voters who have been sensitized about the elections. He insisted that the police had been informed of their responsibilities, especially following a court ruling that mandated their participation in the electoral process.
Expressing his dismay, the governor reported an incident where the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office was allegedly invaded by police officers in the early hours of Friday.
Fubara claimed that this was part of a coordinated effort to seize sensitive electoral materials.
“I received a security report that the RSIEC office was being invaded by the Nigerian Police,” “I was shocked, especially after having received a signal withdrawing police officers from the premises. When I arrived, I found fierce-looking policemen attempting to force their way inside,” he revealed.
He condemned the actions of the police, labeling them as a “deliberate attempt” to undermine the democratic process in Rivers State.
Fubara questioned the motivations behind the police’s involvement, asking, “Why would the Police attempt to take over control of RSIEC or stop an ongoing democratic process?”
The governor further highlighted legal inconsistencies, asking why the police would seek to seal the RSIEC premises or halt the elections when there were existing court rulings supporting the conduct of the elections with the 2023 voter register.
“Is RSIEC not an agency controlled by the State Government?” he queried. “What is the special concern about the police taking over the premises? Did any court ruling specify that the police should prevent the election?”
Fubara concluded by affirming his commitment to the electoral process and expressing determination to ensure that the elections take place as scheduled, despite the obstacles presented by police actions.
As the election date approaches, the situation in Rivers State remains tense, with both the government and law enforcement embroiled in a complex legal and political battle that could impact the democratic landscape of the region.
