Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed his frustration over repeated attempts to obstruct the local government elections in the state, asserting his commitment to ensure that the elections take place as scheduled on October 5. His remarks came in response to a disturbing incident in the early hours of Friday, when individuals disguised in police uniforms tried to invade the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office. The miscreants allegedly aimed to gain access to the secure areas of the office to steal sensitive electoral materials crucial for the election. Fubara addressed the media outside the RSIEC headquarters in Port Harcourt, detailing his concerns about these events and reaffirming the resilience of the electoral process in the state.
Fubara’s statement highlighted his personal investigation into the situation following reports of police involvement in the attempted takeover. He indicated that the operation was supposedly orchestrated by a Deputy Commissioner of Operations. The governor emphasized the absurdity of such actions in the context of the ongoing electoral preparations and reiterated that there had been no legal basis for hindering the elections. According to him, despite a recent court ruling that limited certain police functions, it did not explicitly prohibit the conduct of elections or the provision of voter registration. He argued that the ruling had been misinterpreted or misrepresented, leading to unwarranted interference with the election process.
The governor further criticized the relationship between local authorities and the Inspector-General of Police, questioning the motives behind the police’s involvement in the state’s electoral matters. He insinuated that actions taken by the Inspector-General appeared to be influenced by an individual seeking to exert undue control over the electoral process in Rivers State. Fubara maintained that the court’s decision did not bar elections and that there was a clear distinction between the police not providing security and outright cancellation of the elections. By emphasizing the specific judgment criteria, he sought to dispel any rumors about the legality of the local government elections being under threat.
In addressing the broader implications of these events, Governor Fubara insisted that despite efforts to obstruct the electoral process, the elections would proceed as planned. He projected a sense of determination and readiness among his administration and supporters, assuring them of a firm stand against any form of intimidation. Citing past instances, such as the elections in Anambra State, he underscored his confidence in managing the security situation independently. Fubara’s strong stance highlights his commitment to democratic processes and his willingness to confront any challenges that may arise.
Moreover, the governor’s remarks included a poignant message directed at the citizens of Rivers State, conveying a sense of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. He characterized the upcoming elections as a crucial battle, framing it as a fight for the integrity of the local governance system. With an unyielding resolve, he declared that the state government would not be deterred, regardless of the obstacles posed by external pressures. His proclamation reinforced the message that the will of the people would prevail, and the rights of citizens to choose their leaders would be upheld at all costs.
Despite attempts to obtain comments from the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, regarding the incidents and the state of the upcoming elections, there was no response by the time the report was concluded. This silence from the police hierarchy could further compound the doubts surrounding the situation and raise concerns over the integrity of the electoral process in Rivers State. Ultimately, Governor Fubara’s insistence on conducting the elections symbolizes a broader struggle for democratic governance amidst challenges and opposition within the state. His resolute stance illustrates the critical importance of maintaining electoral integrity and protecting the democratic rights of the populace.
