Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vehemently condemned what he deems an attempt by rogue elements within the Nigerian Police Force to obstruct the state’s local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
The incident unfolded around 1 AM on October 4, when a group of policemen, allegedly led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), attempted to take control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters.
Eyewitnesses reported that the officers tried to breach the RSIEC office gates to access sensitive electoral materials.
However, their efforts were thwarted by the alert security personnel on duty, who quickly responded to the situation. In light of these events, Governor Fubara mobilized senior government officials, lawmakers, and political stakeholders to the RSIEC facility, ensuring the electoral process remained secure.
In a passionate statement at the RSIEC headquarters, Fubara criticized the police and federal authorities for what he perceived as a deliberate attempt to undermine democracy in the state.
“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?” he remarked.
Fubara highlighted a recent court ruling, questioning its implications for the election: “Everybody is aware of the court judgment, and did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not hold?” He emphasized that the police were overstepping their authority.
In an emotional plea, he challenged the Inspector General of Police, accusing him of compromising the integrity of the force in Rivers State, suggesting undue influence from powerful local interests....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
“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.
Fubara insisted that the elections must proceed, even suggesting that the state could provide its own security if needed. “We don’t need your security; we will provide our own security after all. This election must hold,” he asserted.
He issued a direct warning to the federal police, stating, “I will be there. If I hear anybody… I will come. You don’t have any right whatsoever to bar me from entering.
Just try it, and part of your history as a very wicked and fraudulent Inspector General of Police will include shooting Fubara,” he declared.
Concluding his fiery address, Fubara reassured the people of Rivers State that the elections would occur as planned. “Election will hold.
Anything that wants to happen, let it happen. We know that this is going to be the last fight, and we’ll take it to the end,” he affirmed.
The way our Nigerian police force behaves sometimes makes ridiculous of them all. For a protecting officers become a victim of theft in the government property in the name of high service. Remember, the record will be stated for your unborn children