Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has delivered a blistering critique of the Nigerian Inspector General of Police (IGP) following an alleged attempt by rogue elements of the Nigerian Police Force to disrupt the upcoming local government elections in the state.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, October 4, 2024, just a day before the scheduled elections, when officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) attempted to take control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters.
According to eyewitnesses, the police team tried to breach the RSIEC facility, reportedly scaling the gates and attempting to access the strong room where sensitive electoral materials are stored. Their goal, it is alleged, was to prevent the elections from taking place by seizing these materials. However, swift action by RSIEC security personnel, who raised the alarm, thwarted the plan.
Upon hearing of the incident, Governor Fubara quickly mobilized key political leaders, including senior government officials, members of the Rivers State and National Assemblies, and prominent stakeholders, to the RSIEC office. Their prompt arrival effectively prevented the situation from escalating.
In a fiery address at the scene, Governor Fubara lambasted the IGP for what he perceived as undue interference in the state’s electoral process. He accused the police leadership of attempting to block the elections in favor of certain vested interests.
“You are not ashamed of yourself. You call yourself Inspector General of Police,” Fubara said in a pointed rebuke. “Enough is enough!”
The governor also questioned the relationship between the IGP and a powerful individual in Rivers State, hinting at a conspiracy aimed at derailing the election.
“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 stated. “I don’t know the relationship because it’s beginning to go beyond a professional relationship.”
Governor Fubara expressed frustration with the police’s actions, particularly in light of a court ruling that the officers claimed to be acting upon. He argued that the judgment did not bar the elections from holding, but merely placed restrictions on certain electoral materials and security provisions.
“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?” he asked. “It said don’t give voters register. What are we doing with it? Okay, police don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election?”
In defiance of the police’s alleged attempt to disrupt the polls, Fubara declared that the elections would proceed as planned. He announced that the state government would ensure the elections’ security, even if the police refused to provide assistance.
“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!”
Fubara went on to issue a stern warning to those attempting to interfere with the election, stating that he would personally ensure that the process was not derailed.
“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 asserted. “I think I’ve given you enough respect.”
The governor concluded by assuring the people of Rivers State that the local government elections would go ahead as scheduled, despite the obstacles.
“Let me say this to all Rivers indigene, everyone residing in Rivers State: Election will hold,” Fubara declared. “Election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen.”
The local government elections are set to take place on Saturday, October 5, with officials and stakeholders remaining vigilant to ensure the integrity of the process.
The presence of top lawmakers and political leaders at the RSIEC headquarters has further solidified the government’s determination to see the elections through to completion.