Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has lamented the several attempts made to prevent the October 5 Local Government elections in the state from holding, saying authoritatively that the elections will hold.
The governor’s reaction was a sequel to an incident which happened around 1 am on Friday (today), in which some men dressed in police uniforms attempted to take over the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
It was gathered that the miscreants attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the commission to cart away sensitive electoral materials meant for the conduct of the LG election in the state.
Addressing newsmen in front of the RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Fubara said, “We came here this morning when we heard that, according to what they called themselves – Nigeria Police, are coming to take over the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. And I had to come myself to find out why such a thing would happen.
“From what I heard, that one DC Operations brought them here to withdraw the policemen that were already here protecting this place so that new officers will take over the place. But I have to say this, on a very strong note, we’ve been taking enough nonsense from this institution.
“Everybody is aware of the court judgment, and even the judgment as they call it, the ruling — did the ruling specify anywhere that election should not hold? It said, don’t give voters register. What are we doing with it? Okay, the police, don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as burking 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, because it is beginning to go beyond the normal professional relationship. I said the government wrote a letter with the judgment that we have, to him, and what he is acting on is what he called the judgment he got from the Federal High Court. Even at that, did the judgment from the Federal High Court say election should be barred?”
The governor noted that the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja only held that the Nigeria Police shouldn’t provide security during the election exercise, neither should the voter register be made available.
Reacting to this, Fubara lamented, “Lifu, that Justice who gave that fraudulent judgment, did he say no election? Rather, he technically said, “Don’t provide, don’t provide!” We don’t need your security, we will provide our security. After all, it happened in Anambra State. But this election must hold! If you like, whatever it is 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 the Inspector-General of Police. Enough is enough! If I go back and hear anybody, I will come here. This is my property, and you don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering it. Just try it. I think I have given enough respect.”
He further addressed the indigenes of the state, saying, “Election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen. We are ready. We know that this one is going to be the last fight, and we will take it to the end.”
Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, proved abortive as calls, a text message and WhatsApp messages sent to his mobile number weren’t responded to as of the time of filing this report.
