‘Police Presence Inconsequential’, Fubara Vows To Resist LG Poll Disruption

 

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed surprise at the actions of the police in allegedly attempting to invade the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to disrupt the planned local government election on Saturday.

In a Friday briefing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara said the move was surprising because he had previously received information indicating that the police intended to withdraw from the local government poll.

He questioned why Rivers State is being singled out, especially with what he described as an undue focus on an electoral body that falls under state jurisdiction.

He pointed out that the court ruling from Abuja had only instructed the police not to provide security, and not to seal the RSIEC premises or interfere with the elections.

 

READ ALSO: [Rivers Crisis] Fubara Storms RSIEC Office Over Police Attempt To Take Over Premises

 

 

According to him, the ruling from the Rivers State High Court should take precedence, as it was issued first.

He emphasised the importance of conducting the elections in compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling which the Federal Government is set to implement.

Fubara noted that attempts to obstruct the elections would have far-reaching consequences, particularly on the welfare of local government workers.

 

 

The governor urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to be ready to take responsibility for any disruptions, warning that any attempt by individuals or groups to stop the elections would be firmly resisted.

Fubara reaffirmed that the elections would go ahead as scheduled, and the elected officials would be sworn in.

“We are prepared, we are prepared,” he stated.

 

 

He explained that before the election process, a formal request for protection was sent to the National Security Adviser, the IGP, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, along with a copy of the Rivers State High Court judgment.

Fubara concluded by downplaying the importance of police presence, noting that they were not required to be near polling units.

He expressed confidence that other security agencies could fulfil the role of maintaining law and order in the absence of the police