Protesters storm RSIEC office, demand election proceeds as scheduled

Defying the early rain, angry protesters thronged the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Friday, demanding that the local government elections proceed as scheduled.

The protesters chant “Election must hold,” came hours after Gov. Siminalayi Fubara intervened to stop alleged police takeover of the RSIEC premises, ensuring the electoral process is on track.

Expressing his anger over plans of the Rivers State Police Command to stop the voting exercise on Saturday, Fubara said: “Keep your security; I do not need it. It happened in Anambra State. This election must hold on Saturday. The result will be declared, and the winners will be sworn in.”

According to Persecondnews, in the early hours of Friday, security operatives in Rivers State foiled an attempt by unidentified individuals dressed in police uniforms to infiltrate the RSIEC’s office.

At about 1 a.m., the would-be intruders attempted to breach the gates and strong room in order to steal sensitive electoral materials intended for the local government elections scheduled for the following day.

The police had earlier announced their withdrawal from the election, citing a Federal High Court ruling that prohibited their participation.