Rivers Gov. Siminalayi Fubara took swift action on Friday morning, storming the state’s Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) office to foil an alleged plot by Nigerian police operatives to seize control of the facility ahead of the local government elections on Saturday, October 5.
Persecondnews learnt that the development occurred at about 1 am on Friday when the governor’s camp was informed of the attempt by the police.
According to a video clip, the alleged policemen attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the commission to allegedly cart away sensitive electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the state.
The governor, alongside his team, including government officials, federal and state lawmakers, top political stakeholders, and other leaders, stormed the facility.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the policemen who came in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will hold as scheduled on Saturday.
Efforts by Persecondnews to reach the state police command were unsuccessful at the moment.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed it will not participate in the upcoming election in compliance with the Federal High Court’s judgment.
The development comes on the heels of protests by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders on Thursday.
The police, however, explained that adhering to the court order does not mean that its operatives will fold their arms and allow security breaches.
The state police command’s spokesperson, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed this in a statement on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
Iringe-Koko said the decision is a follow-up to the Force Legal Department’s directive that the Federal High Court’s ruling on September 30, 2024, take precedence.
While insisting that it had studied the two court judgements it received restraining them from participating, she advised citizens to remain peaceful.
The statement said: “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming local government election, particularly in the light of recent court rulings.
“On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the local government election.
“Additionally, on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment that again prohibited the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the local government election.
“Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.
“Recently, an opposition party protested, calling for adherence to the court orders and expressing their determination to prevent any disregard for the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force encourages all parties to seek appropriate legal redress if they feel aggrieved by any decisions or actions related to the election process.
“The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to maintaining law and order and will not stand idly by in the face of potential disturbances.
“Necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders. All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure full compliance with the judgement of the Federal High Court.”
It added: “In view of the above, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department to comply with the judgement of the Federal High Court dated September 30, 2024, which bars the Nigeria Police from allowing, participating in, providing security for, or taking part in the Rivers State Local Government Election on October 5, 2024.
“All other security agencies are also implored to comply with the Federal High Court judgment.
“In light of these developments, the Nigeria Police Force calls on all citizens to remain peaceful and orderly and to cooperate with law enforcement in upholding the rule of law during this crucial period.”
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