Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and the Nigeria Police Force of attempting to undermine the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, to favor “an Abuja-based politician.”
At a World Press Conference held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Fubara alleged that the disruption of the election was being orchestrated by the interests of a single individual. He asserted that all necessary legal, security, and logistical preparations for the election had been completed and that voters had been adequately informed, showcasing confidence in the electoral process.
Fubara highlighted that the police had been officially informed of their role in ensuring security for the election, as mandated by a court ruling. However, he expressed disappointment, claiming that instead of fulfilling their statutory duties, the police acted as “hired agents” attempting to unlawfully raid the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and seize sensitive materials.
“In the early hours of this morning, I received a security report indicating that the RSIEC office had been invaded by the Nigerian Police,” Fubara stated. He noted his surprise at the situation, especially after receiving a signal that police officers guarding the premises were to be withdrawn. Upon arriving at the scene, Fubara discovered a heavy police presence attempting to force their way into the RSIEC office.
He added, “We discovered that this operation was a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Police Force, both the Rivers State Command and the Headquarters in Abuja, to steal the electoral materials. But by the special grace of God, that act was foiled.”
Fubara expressed disbelief at the actions of the Nigeria Police, questioning their integrity and role in the electoral process. He posed critical questions about the legality of the police’s actions, stating, “Is the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission not an agency controlled by the State Government? Why is Rivers State’s case different?”
He further questioned the police’s authority, asking, “If they claim to have a court order, did the judgment say they should seal the premises or prevent the election from occurring?”
The governor emphasized that only the Nigeria Police posed a threat to the nation’s democracy among all security agencies and warned that if anarchy erupts in Rivers State, the IGP should be held responsible.
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