In the early hours of Friday, October 4, 2024, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, successfully thwarted an attempt by police officers, allegedly led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to break into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) headquarters.
The officers, reportedly acting on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), aimed to seize sensitive materials prepared for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
According to reports, the police team arrived at the RSIEC premises around 1 a.m., attempting to forcefully breach the gates and access the strong room housing critical election materials. However, quick-thinking security personnel on duty raised the alarm, prompting RSIEC staff to immediately alert Governor Fubara.
Without delay, Governor Fubara organized a high-powered team consisting of lawmakers from both the National and State Assemblies, senior government officials, and key political stakeholders. The team swiftly moved to the RSIEC office on Aba Road, where they confronted the situation.
Speaking to reporters outside the RSIEC facility, Governor Fubara condemned the actions of the police officers, accusing the Inspector-General of exceeding his constitutional authority, likely due to political influences from Abuja. He reiterated that local government elections are under the state’s jurisdiction and should be free from federal interference.
Fubara further decried the alleged plan to replace the existing police officers stationed at RSIEC with personnel from another state, describing it as an illegal and politically motivated scheme. He assured the public that alternative security measures would be put in place, if necessary, to guarantee a peaceful election.
In a show of solidarity, Rivers State citizens have since gathered in large numbers at the RSIEC headquarters to prevent any further attempts by the rogue officers, who had arrived in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles, from succeeding.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among Rivers residents, who see the interference as a direct assault on their democratic rights. Governor Fubara’s swift and decisive action has reassured the public that the elections will proceed as planned, with any external attempts to disrupt the process being firmly resisted.
Governor Fubara concluded by urging the people of Rivers State to turn out en masse on Saturday to cast their votes, ensuring that the democratic process prevails.
