A few hours before the local government election scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stormed the office of the State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC) in Port Harcourt and accused the Police Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of taking orders from Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
He said nothing will stop the election from holding, adding that the presence of police officers at RISEC premises was unnecessary.
“We came here this morning when we heard that the 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.
“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’s judgment.
“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,” th governor said.
Fubara said the only thing that can stop the election from holding is if he was shot.
“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.
“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,” the governor added.
Police operatives had barricaded the facility where electoral materials are kept.
Security operatives who were at the RISEC office departed shortly after Fubara arrived at the building in the company of some lawmakers and government officials.
The Rivers Police Command had said its officers would not provide security for the conduct of the local government election in the state.
The command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the command is complying with an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
