Rivers LG polls: Gov Fubara accuses IGP of partisanship

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has accused the Nigerian Police of partisanship following an attempted takeover of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office in the early hours of Friday, October 4, 2024.

The operation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC) Operations, occurred at 1 AM, sparking outrage from the Governor, who swiftly intervened to prevent the takeover.

Governor Fubara, along with the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and several lawmakers, stationed themselves at the RSIEC office to ensure that the elections would proceed as planned.

Addressing the press, Fubara accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of aligning with a powerful figure in Rivers State, describing the police actions as politically motivated.

“We came here this morning when we heard that the Nigerian police were attempting to take over the RSIEC premises. I had to come myself to see why this was happening. From what I heard, the DC Operations ordered the withdrawal of police officers who had been protecting this place,” Fubara stated.

He strongly criticized the IGP’s involvement, alleging that the police were using a recent Federal High Court ruling as a pretext for their actions. “The IGP claims he is acting on the court judgement, but did that ruling specify that elections should not hold?” Fubara asked. He accused the police of serving political interests rather than upholding the rule of law.

Governor Fubara declared that the state would ensure the elections take place, even without police security. “We will provide our own security if needed, just like in Anambra. This election must hold, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in. Enough is enough,” he said firmly.

The Governor’s accusations of police partisanship have heightened tensions in Rivers State as the elections approach. He reassured residents that the elections would go on as scheduled, despite what he described as politically charged interference from federal authorities.

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