Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday morning amid escalating tensions surrounding the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) office.
Governor Fubara arrived at the RISIEC premises around 1 a.m. in response to reports that armed police officers had taken control of the electoral facility. He was visibly upset upon discovering that the police presence had been altered, claiming that a Deputy Commissioner of Operations had withdrawn the officers previously assigned to secure the office, allowing a new team of armed police to take over.
In a heated address, Fubara criticized the IGP for what he characterized as an unnecessary and unjustified police deployment. He referred to a recent court ruling, clarifying that the judgment did not prohibit elections from taking place but only limited access to the voter register.
“We came here this morning when we heard that the Nigerian police were coming to take over the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. I had to come myself to understand why such a thing would happen,” Fubara stated.
He continued, “I heard that one DC Operation brought them here and withdrew the policemen that were already protecting this place so that other officers could take over.”
Fubara firmly asserted, “We have been taking enough nonsense from this institution. Everybody is aware of the court judgment. Did the ruling specify anywhere that elections should not hold? It stated not to provide the voter register. What are we doing with it?”
Declaring his resolve, he added, “We don’t need your security. We will provide our own security. After all, it happened in Anambra. This election must hold. If you like, do whatever you want to do; the election must hold, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in.”
The Governor’s criticism extended to the relationship between the IGP and local authorities, suggesting it had strayed beyond professional boundaries. He expressed frustration over perceived political interference, stating, “What kind of country is this? And when it comes to the issue of Rivers State, it becomes different.”
He concluded with a warning to the police, stating, “You have to be ashamed of yourself calling yourself IGP. Enough is enough. If I go back and hear anything, I will come here. This is my property, and you don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering it.”
Fubara’s passionate remarks reflect the tense political atmosphere in Rivers State as the council elections approach, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that the elections proceed as scheduled despite the challenges faced.