Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has voiced his strong disapproval regarding the Nigerian police’s actions ahead of the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
The governor made his feelings known during a World Press Conference at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, where he recounted a troubling encounter with police at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) offices.
Fubara expressed concerns that the police’s involvement in the electoral process appeared to be influenced by the interests of an individual rather than the law. He reassured the public that all necessary preparations—legal, security, and logistical—for the election had been thoroughly completed and that voters were well-informed and prepared, demonstrating confidence in the electoral process.
He revealed that police had attempted to raid the RSIEC premises and seize sensitive electoral materials. “This morning, I received a security report indicating that the RSIEC office had been invaded by the Nigerian Police,” Fubara stated. “I was astonished, especially after receiving a signal that the police officers stationed there had been withdrawn. I felt compelled to go to the site personally, as the facility is owned by the Rivers State Government.”
Upon arrival, Fubara and his team were surprised to find armed police officers attempting to access the premises in a truck and several other vehicles. “I had to intervene, and we soon discovered that this operation was a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Police Force, both from the Rivers State Command and the Headquarters in Abuja, to unlawfully seize electoral materials. Thankfully, we were able to prevent that from happening.”
The governor lamented the police’s apparent descent into illegality, suggesting they have become adversaries to the interests of Rivers State. He posed several questions, questioning why the RSIEC—a state agency governed by law—was being treated differently than others. He also raised concerns about the legality of the police’s actions, particularly regarding a court order that supposedly limited RSIEC’s access to the voter register and police protection but did not authorize the sealing of the premises or obstructing the election.
