Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has issued a bold ultimatum, declaring that the state’s scheduled local government election must hold, despite objections from the Nigeria Police Force and a court ruling. Fubara made his stance clear during a charged address in Port Harcourt on Friday, stating that not even the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has the authority to bar him from accessing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises.
The governor’s fiery declaration comes amid rising tensions in the state over the scheduled local government polls, set for Saturday, October 5, 2024. The police command in Rivers, citing a restraining court order, had vowed to prevent the elections from taking place. However, Fubara stood defiant, asserting his authority as governor and daring the IGP to intervene physically.
“If the IGP wants to stop me, he’ll have to shoot me,” Fubara said, raising the stakes of the political drama. “This is my property, and no one has the right to bar me from entering. Enough is enough! I have given you enough respect, and now, elections must hold,” he stated before a gathering of supporters.
Rivers Police: Restraining Order Bars Election Security
The Rivers State Police Command, led by spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko, had earlier released a statement confirming their receipt of a court order barring the police from providing security for the elections. The Federal High Court in Abuja issued this order on September 30, 2024, ruling that the police must refrain from participating in the elections until further legal review.
The Rivers police force, acting on advice from the Force Legal Department, reiterated that the court ruling takes precedence, placing the election in jeopardy. However, despite this, Governor Fubara’s administration insists on proceeding with the polls, signaling a showdown between state authorities and federal law enforcement.
Background on the Court’s Decision
The Federal High Court’s decision, delivered just days before the elections, emerged from concerns over the legality of RSIEC’s preparation for the poll. The court restrained the Nigeria Police Force from providing security during the election due to alleged procedural irregularities surrounding the organization of the local government polls. This legal development has created a complex web of political and legal tensions, which have heightened as the election day approaches.
Fubara’s reaction underscores his administration’s commitment to pushing forward with the democratic process in Rivers State, despite the opposition. By challenging the IGP so directly, the governor has raised critical questions about the role of the judiciary, the police, and executive powers in maintaining order while ensuring electoral fairness.
The Governor’s Challenge to the IGP
During his address, Governor Fubara lambasted the Inspector General of Police, questioning his integrity and accusing him of attempting to undermine democracy in Rivers State. “When it comes to Rivers State, things always seem different. You are not ashamed to call yourself the IGP. If you want to be part of history as the IGP who shot Fubara, then try it,” he challenged.
The confrontation between state leadership and federal forces could lead to significant consequences not only for the local government elections but also for the broader political landscape in Nigeria. Fubara, who has been a key figure in the Rivers political scene, especially in the wake of his predecessor Nyesom Wike’s tenure, sees this election as pivotal for reinforcing democratic norms in the state.
