Police Defend Action at RIEC Office, Address Gov Fubara’s Remarks

The Nigerian police respond to Gov Fubara’s statement, justifying their action at the RIEC office and detailing their reasons. Discover more about the incident.

The Nigeria Police Force has voiced significant concern about recent remarks by Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, who made several allegations against the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.

According to OBASANJONEWS, Governor Fubara accused the IGP on Friday of acting fraudulently by allegedly deploying officers to interfere with the Local Government elections planned for Saturday.

However, in a statement released on Friday by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the governor’s claim was dismissed.

The police stated that the deployment of officers to the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) headquarters early Friday morning was intended to ensure security and was carried out in accordance with a court order.

The Nigeria Police Force has expressed concern regarding the recent remarks by His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State.

These comments include several unsubstantiated accusations against both the Office of the Inspector-General and the police force. Consequently, there is a need to clarify these issues to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Read Also: Police Presence Inconsequential,” Fubara Vows to Resist Disruption of LG Polls

To begin with, it’s crucial to clarify that a standing Federal High Court order prohibits the Nigeria Police Force from taking part in the Rivers State elections.

This order was properly delivered to both the NPF and the Rivers State Government. Upholding its commitment to legality, the Inspector General of Police directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to fully comply with this court order by abstaining from any direct involvement in election activities.

On the evening of October 3rd, 2024, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police received reports indicating that police officers from the Government House had been deployed to assist in managing election activities at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) office.

This information was also communicated to the Inspector-General of Police, who authorized the Commissioner to withdraw these officers and replace them with personnel from Command Operations. The role of these newly assigned officers was to ensure overnight security for RIEC against any potential attacks on its facility.

It’s important to highlight that prior to this, multiple security breaches occurred in the state due to a series of court orders and counter-orders accompanied by reactions from various political party supporters. In response, securing RIEC overnight was handled professionally by the Command with backing from the Inspector-General of Police.

To emphasize, on October 3rd, 2024 night police officers were specifically deployed from Rivers State Command’s operations department at RIEC solely tasked with protecting its office against potential attacks overnight—a proactive measure informed by available intelligence within the State Command.

It is astonishing to witness the state governor invading the RIEC office at night, making unjust accusations against police officers performing their lawful duties, belittling the Police institution, and using inappropriate language directed at the Inspector-General of Police.

The Nigeria Police strongly objects to these baseless allegations made by the Governor against both the Inspector-General and entire Nigeria Police Force. We urge for restraint and respectful conduct in pursuit of personal political ambitions.

We will not tolerate threats of violence or arson over a Local Government election. The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property and will collaborate with other security agencies in Rivers State to maintain peace and order.

Accordingly, the Inspector-General of Police has instructed an increase in police presence across Rivers State to enhance security measures. Residents are encouraged to continue their daily activities as usual.