The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has expressed his disappointment over the action of the Nigerian police in the upcoming local government election in the state, scheduled for October 5, 2024.
The governor shared his reservation while speaking on his encounter with the police at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises.
Speaking at a World Press Conference at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Fubara claimed that efforts to halt the election were being driven by the interests of a single individual.
He emphasized that all legal, security, and logistical preparations for the election had been completed, and voters had been adequately informed and sensitized, reflecting a high level of confidence in the process.
He lamented that police had acted as hired agents, attempting unsuccessfully to raid the RSIEC, and seize sensitive materials.
Fubara said, “In the early hours of this morning (Friday), I got a security report that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office has been invaded by the Nigerian Police.
“I was really surprised because before that time, I got a copy of a signal withdrawing the police officers that were guarding the premises. So, I had to drive to the place myself since the facility belongs to Rivers State Government.
“Getting to the scene, and to shock of everyone who accompanied me there, I met the presence of some fierce looking policemen in one truck and three other empty Hilux vans trying to force their way into the premises.
“And, I had to stop them. In the process, we discovered that that movement (operation), was a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Police Force, both the Rivers State Command and the Headquarters (Abuja), to steal the electoral materials. But by the special grace of God, that act was foiled.”
The governor expressed disbelief at how low the Nigeria Police had fallen, allowing its officers to engage in illegal activities that suggest they have become adversaries of Rivers State.
He said, “Here are the questions: first, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, is it not an agency, and a process that is being controlled by the State Government? Is it not a system that is governed by the law of the State? Why is Rivers State’s case different.
“The second part of it is: what is the special thing about this issue of taking over the premises by the Police? If we should go by what they claim that they had a court order, the court ruling said, don’t give RSIEC voter register, don’t give RSIEC police protection. Did the judgment say they should seal the premises? Or don’t allow them conduct election?”
