Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has openly accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Police Force of attempting to sabotage the upcoming local government election in Rivers State, scheduled for October 5, 2024. During a press conference held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Fubara claimed that the police were acting on behalf of an “Abuja-based politician” to undermine the democratic process in the state.
Fubara asserted that despite completing all legal, logistical, and security preparations for the election, the Nigeria Police Force had shown resistance, failing to carry out its statutory duty to ensure peace and security. Instead, he alleged that certain factions within the police force had attempted to raid the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and seize sensitive election materials.
Fubara’s Allegations Against the Police
Speaking on the attempted invasion of RSIEC’s premises in the early hours of Friday, the governor stated: “I was really surprised because I had received a security report about the withdrawal of police officers guarding the premises. I personally drove to the scene and found a truckload of fierce-looking policemen trying to force their way into RSIEC. It was shocking to see the Nigerian Police Force, both from Rivers State Command and Abuja Headquarters, attempting to steal election materials. By the special grace of God, that act was foiled.
Governor Fubara expressed disappointment in the police for allegedly prioritizing the interests of a political figure over the well-being of the democratic process. He further questioned the legality of their actions, especially when the court ruling that the police referenced did not prohibit RSIEC from conducting the election but rather limited their access to voter registers and police protection.
Security Concerns and Potential for Anarchy
Fubara also warned of the potential for widespread chaos and violence if the police continued to obstruct the election. He pointed out that the police are the only security agency posing a threat to the democratic process in Rivers State. “Why is Rivers State being singled out in this manner? We have followed all legal procedures, yet the police are acting like adversaries of the state, trying to provoke anarchy,” the governor lamented.
Fubara stressed that all other security agencies were cooperating to ensure a smooth election, but the Nigeria Police Force’s actions jeopardized the entire process. He insisted that any outbreak of violence or unrest in the state should be blamed squarely on the Inspector General of Police, warning that Rivers State would not tolerate such interference.
Court Orders and Police Interference
The local government election in Rivers has been mired in controversy due to a court order issued on September 30, 2024, by an Abuja Federal High Court. The ruling barred the police from providing security for the elections. However, Governor Fubara highlighted that the court’s judgment did not authorize the police to block RSIEC from holding the elections, and it certainly did not mandate the seizure of election materials.
Fubara’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the state government and federal authorities over the handling of local governance in Rivers State. The governor emphasized that his administration was committed to upholding the constitution and ensuring that local government councils are properly constituted through a transparent electoral process. He called on Rivers State residents to remain peaceful and vigilant, while urging the police to remember their role as protectors of democracy, not its antagonists.
