In a bold declaration on Friday, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State insisted that the local government elections must proceed as planned, despite opposition from the state’s police command.
During a gathering in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara asserted his right to access the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), stating that not even Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun could bar him from entering. He challenged the authority of the IGP, emphasizing, “You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering. Try it, and part of your history as a wicked IGP would include shooting Fubara.”
Fubara’s comments come in response to the Rivers State Police Command’s announcement that it would not allow the scheduled local government elections to proceed on Saturday. The police cited a restraining order and a recent judgment from an Abuja Federal High Court, which prohibits the force from providing security during the elections.
The tense standoff highlights significant legal and political challenges, as the Force Legal Department has advised that the court ruling takes precedence over the election plans. Despite these hurdles, Governor Fubara remains steadfast, declaring, “Elections must hold; anything that wants to happen should happen.”
The situation in Rivers State continues to develop, with significant implications for governance and electoral integrity in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story.