Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says nothing will
stop the local government election from holding in the state.
Early Friday morning, Fubara stormed the office of the
Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC) in Port Harcourt, the
state capital.
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 LG election in the state.
Grace Iringe-Koko, police spokesperson in Rivers, said the
command is complying with an order of the federal high court in Abuja.
‘POLICE WANT TO STOP
THE ELECTION’
Fubara said the presence of police officers at the RISEC
premises was unnecessary.
The governor alleged that Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general
of police (IGP), is taking orders from Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal
capital territory (FCT).
“We came here this morning when we heard that the Nigeria
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,” Fubara said.
“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
judgement.
“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.”
Fubara said the only thing that can stop the election from
holding is if he is 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,” he said.
“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.”
WIKE AND FUBARA RIFT
Rivers has been gripped by tension since the supremacy
battle between Fubara and Wike kicked off.
The local government election is now being viewed in both
camps as a referendum on who really controls the grassroots.
The Wike camp is seemingly opposed to the conduct of the
election on Saturday.
On September 30, a federal high court in Abuja barred the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter
register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The court also barred the inspector-general of police and
the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the
exercise.
On October 2, INEC said it had not released the voter
register to RSIEC for the conduct of the election, in compliance with the
verdict of the federal high court.
On October 3, a crowd besieged the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, to protest
against the planned local government election.
Despite the chaos, Fubara has vowed to proceed with the
election and has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on Areatatafo.com.ng to reach thousands of our daily users
