Rivers State Governor, Sir Similanayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, stating that he will hold the police chief responsible if there is any breakdown of law and order in the state. The governor’s statement comes amid rising tensions surrounding the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara made this declaration during a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday. The incident that triggered the governor’s remarks occurred earlier in the day, when he personally intervened at the Rivers Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office. Fubara claimed that he had gone there to prevent an alleged attempt by police officers to cart away election materials ahead of Saturday’s local government elections.
“I am saying this here so that the IGP should be aware and just to know that any action that will bring a situation of lawlessness in this state, he should be prepared to take responsibility,” Fubara stated. He emphasized that the primary duty of the police is to protect lives and property, not to interfere in the operations of the electoral body.
According to Fubara, he received a security report early Friday morning that the RSIEC office had been invaded by police officers. He expressed surprise at the incident, particularly because he had earlier received a signal that the police officers guarding the premises had been withdrawn. In response, the governor said he drove to the RSIEC office to see the situation for himself.
“Getting to the scene and to the shock of everyone who escorted me there, I met the presence of some fierce-looking policemen in one truck and three other empty vans trying to force their way into the premises. And I had to stop them,” the governor recounted.
Fubara accused the Nigerian Police Force, both the Rivers Command and the national headquarters, of attempting to steal election materials. “That movement was a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Police Force Command to steal the election materials, but by the special grace of God, that act was foiled,” he said.
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The governor raised several questions about the police’s actions, particularly why the RSIEC office, which is a state government facility, was targeted. “What is the special thing about this issue of taking over the premises? If we should go by what they claim that they have a court order, did the judgment say seal the premises, don’t allow them conduct election?” Fubara asked.
He also pointed out that the state government and RSIEC had a court judgment allowing them to conduct the elections using the 2023 voters register. “Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, and other sister agencies should provide security,” he added, questioning why the police were trying to interfere with the election process.
The governor expressed frustration at what he perceives as a double standard in how the law is applied to Rivers State. “Why is the case of Rivers different? Is it that the law or the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when it comes to Rivers State, is interpreted in a different way?” Fubara questioned.
He further stressed that local government elections are the responsibility of the state government and that no federal institution has the right to dictate how local government systems in Rivers State should operate. “Any attempt by anyone or any security agency to stop this election, we are prepared to make sure that we resist it,” he warned.
Governor Fubara’s remarks highlight the growing tension in Rivers State ahead of the local government elections and reflect the concerns over potential interference by federal authorities. As the election day approaches, all eyes will be on Rivers to see how the situation unfolds.