Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has issued a stark warning, stating that the Inspector General of Police will be held accountable for any breakdown of law and order in the state. This declaration came during a high-stakes press conference today at the Government House in Port Harcourt, where Fubara revealed alarming developments surrounding the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5.
The governor addressed concerns regarding a late-night police operation aimed at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). He disclosed that he received urgent security reports indicating an attempt by police officers to invade the RSIEC office. Alarmed by the situation, Fubara rushed to the scene, where he witnessed a convoy of intimidating police vehicles attempting to breach the premises.
“What I found was shocking,” Fubara recounted. “There were fierce-looking policemen in a truck, along with three empty vans, all trying to force their way inside.” Thankfully, their advance was thwarted, but the governor did not shy away from labeling the incident a calculated effort by the police to undermine the electoral process and steal essential materials.
Fubara's allegations pointed to a broader conspiracy involving both the Rivers State police command and the national force headquarters, aimed at disrupting the democratic process. “This is a blatant attempt to sabotage the upcoming elections,” he stated, questioning the rationale behind targeting the RSIEC when a recent court judgment merely restricted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from issuing voter registers, without any orders to seal the RSIEC or halt the elections.
The governor urged those dissatisfied with the electoral process to seek legal remedies rather than resorting to tactics intended to destabilize the state. “Those who are aggrieved should go to court instead of trying to obstruct the election. The people of Rivers State are already grappling with hardship and hunger, and these detractors are only trying to create more chaos,” he said.
Fubara reassured citizens and the peace-loving populace of Rivers State that his administration has taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and fair local government election. “We are committed to upholding democracy and ensuring that the elections proceed as scheduled,” he emphasized.
