Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has boldly announced that local government elections in the state will go ahead as planned, despite mounting tensions and police opposition. Early on Friday, Fubara visited the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt, where he confronted police officers who had barricaded the facility containing vital electoral materials.
The police presence at the RSIEC office sparked controversy, with many questioning the motives behind their actions. Fubara arrived at the scene alongside a group of lawmakers and government officials, only to find police operatives waiting at the entrance. Following Fubara’s arrival, the security personnel quickly withdrew from the location, leaving the governor to take charge of the situation.
The Rivers State police command had previously announced that its officers would not be providing security for the upcoming local government election, citing a federal high court ruling in Abuja. Grace Iringe-Koko, a spokesperson for the police, explained that this decision was made in compliance with the court’s orders.
In response to the police actions, Fubara expressed his outrage. He argued that the police presence at the RSIEC office was unwarranted and that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, was acting on the orders of former governor Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Fubara’s criticism was sharp as he claimed that Wike was attempting to exert undue influence over the electoral process.
Fubara stated, “We came here this morning when we heard that the Nigeria police are coming to take over the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC). I had to come myself to find out why such a thing would happen.” He further asserted, “Did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not be held? It (judgment) said don’t give voter register. What are we doing with it? Police, don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election?”
“I have to say this on a very strong note. We have been taking enough nonsense from this institution. Everybody is aware of the court judgement.
“Did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not be held? It (judgment) said don’t give voter register. What are we doing with it? Police, don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election?
“I don’t know what the relationship between the inspector-general of police and one person who claims he has so much power in this state. I don’t know the relationship because it is beginning to go beyond the normal professional relationship.
“Did the judgment of the federal high court say election should be barred? Rather, it tactically said don’t provide (security). We don’t need your security. We will provide our security.
“After all, it happened in Anambra. Go away with your security. But this election must hold. Whatever you want to do, do it. The election will be held, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in.”
“When it comes to the issue of Rivers state, it becomes different. You are not ashamed of yourself. You call yourself inspector-general of police. Enough is enough. I will be here. This (RISEC) is my property. You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering it. Just try it. That part of your history as a very wicked and fraudulent inspector-general will include shooting Fubara,” he said.
“I think I have given you enough respect. Let me tell all Rivers indigenes and everyone residing in Rivers state. The election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen.”
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The political climate in Rivers State has become increasingly fraught as the rivalry between Fubara and Wike intensifies. The upcoming local government election has transformed into a battleground for control over grassroots governance, with both factions viewing it as a critical referendum on their influence in the state.
Wike’s camp appears to be firmly against the local government elections taking place. On September 30, a federal high court issued an injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supplying the 2023 voter register to the RSIEC. The court also directed the IGP and the Department of State Services (DSS) not to provide security for the elections, further complicating the situation.
On October 2, INEC confirmed that it had not released the voter register to RSIEC, adhering to the court’s decision. The following day, tensions escalated as a crowd gathered at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, protesting against the scheduled local government elections. The unrest highlights the growing dissatisfaction among certain groups within the state regarding the electoral process.
Despite the challenges and public unrest, Fubara remains resolute. He has declared both Thursday and Friday as public holidays in anticipation of the elections.
