Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged to resist any attempts to disrupt the local government elections, stating that police presence will not deter him. Discover more about his firm stance and the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has expressed astonishment at reports of the police allegedly trying to storm the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises to interfere with Saturday’s scheduled Local Government election.
At a media briefing held at the government house in Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Fubara expressed surprise at the development, as he had earlier been informed that the police planned to withdraw from participating in the local government elections.
He wondered why Rivers State is being singled out, particularly highlighting what he described as an excessive focus on an electoral body that operates under state jurisdiction.
He noted that the court ruling from Abuja merely directed the police not to provide security but did not order them to seal off the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises or disrupt the elections.
He believes that the ruling from the Rivers State High Court should be prioritized since it was issued first.
He stressed the need to conduct the elections in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which is slated for implementation by the Federal Government.
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Fubara emphasized that any attempts to disrupt the elections could significantly impact, especially concerning the welfare of local government employees.
The governor called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to be prepared to take accountability for any disturbances, cautioning that any efforts by individuals or groups to halt the elections would meet with strong opposition.
Fubara confirmed that the elections would proceed as planned, with the elected officials taking their oaths of office. “We are ready, we are prepared,” he emphasized.
He stated that prior to the election process, a formal request for protection was submitted to the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies. This submission included a copy of the Rivers State High Court judgment.
Fubara wrapped up by minimizing the significance of police presence, stating that their proximity to polling units was not necessary.
He conveyed certainty that other security agencies could effectively uphold law and order even without the police.
