Fubara Calls on IGP To Take Responsibility For Potential Anarchy During LG Polls In Rivers

Fubara Calls on IGP To Take Responsibility For Potential Anarchy During LG Polls In RiversRivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Police Force of attempting to undermine the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, in favor of “an Abuja-based politician.”

During a World Press Conference at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Fubara claimed that the efforts to disrupt the election were motivated by the interests of a single individual. He emphasized that all necessary legal, security, and logistical preparations for the election had been completed, with voters adequately informed and sensitized, instilling confidence in the electoral process.

Fubara noted that the police had been officially informed of their responsibilities in ensuring security for the elections, as mandated by a court ruling. However, he expressed disappointment, alleging that instead of fulfilling their duties, the police acted as hired agents, attempting to raid the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and seize sensitive materials.

He stated, “In the early hours of this morning (Friday), I received a security report that the RSIEC office had been invaded by the Nigerian Police. I was surprised because prior to that, I had received a signal withdrawing the police officers guarding the premises. I had to drive there myself, since the facility belongs to the Rivers State Government.

“Upon arrival, to the shock of everyone with me, I encountered several fierce-looking policemen in one truck and three empty Hilux vans trying to force their way into the premises. I had to stop them. During this process, 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 electoral materials. But thankfully, that act was foiled.”

The governor expressed disbelief at the alleged misconduct of the Nigeria Police, stating that their actions suggest they have become adversaries of Rivers State. He raised critical questions: “Is the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission not an agency controlled by the State Government? Is it not governed by the laws of the State? Why is Rivers State’s situation different?

“What is the significance of the police taking over the premises? If we go by their claims of having a court order, the ruling stated not to provide the RSIEC with a voter register or police protection. Did the judgment order them to seal the premises or prevent the election from being conducted?”

Fubara further questioned whether there exists any court, unknown to him, that holds greater authority than the Supreme Court, which oversees the proper constitution of elected local government councils in Rivers State. He concluded that among all security agencies, only the Nigeria Police pose a threat to the nation’s democracy.

For more information on this article and other related posts from Bushradiogist, please join our WhatsApp channel by clicking this link https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaUumOODTkK7AZL1Fw3o. For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a message to 090 1907 0863 on WhatsApp.