Governor Siminalayi Fubara visited the RSIEC office following reports of a police attempt to seize control of the premises. Learn about the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reported that he arrived at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1 AM on Friday to prevent the Rivers State Police Command from seizing control of the premises.
A video captured the governor and his team entering the premises of RSIEC, while some individuals claimed that police officers were trying to climb over the gates and access a secure area of the commission. It was alleged that their intent was to seize sensitive electoral materials intended for Saturday’s local government election in the state.
Fubara and his team, which included the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, members from both the State and National Assemblies, as well as other stakeholders, were observed overseeing activities at the RSIEC office.
An unknown number of policemen were also seen inside two trucks and two Hilux vehicles.
The video also featured Governor Fubara arriving at the facility alongside several lawmakers from both the National and State Assemblies, as well as prominent political stakeholders and other leaders.
Channels Television picked up background voices shouting, “Move this thing! Illegal police! Illegal police! Thief! Thief!”
Several men at the scene were observed physically hitting the vehicles lined up inside the RSIEC office, while shouting for them to vacate the premises.
In a statement released on Wednesday, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, announced that regarding the ‘Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election,’ they have received a restraining order prohibiting them from providing security during these elections.
Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, titled “Proposed Local Government Chairman Election on October 5th, 2024.”
Also, check out: [this article on Channels TV](https://www.channelstv.com/2024/10/01/lg-polls-fubara-asks-rivers-residents-to-participate-fully-receives-groups-backing/) about Fubara encouraging Rivers residents to fully participate in the LG polls and receiving support from various groups.
The statement from the police confirmed that they have received a restraining order, which prevents them from offering security during the LGA elections.
The development comes after Fubara expressed regret that his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), will not participate in the state’s Local Government Election on October 5.
Governor Fubara made this statement on Thursday while meeting with several party stakeholders at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.
He stated that the election must take place on Saturday to adhere to the three-month grace period provided by the Federal Government for starting the implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding local government autonomy.
