“Governor Fubara Vows to Defy Police Interference in Rivers LG Elections”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed his firm opposition to recent actions by the police, accusing them of attempting to disrupt the upcoming Local Government elections. During a media briefing at the Port Harcourt Government House on Friday, Fubara stated his surprise over reports that the police allegedly tried to invade the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Fubara explained that he was previously informed of the police’s intention to withdraw from the elections, raising questions about why Rivers State appears to be singled out. He criticized the heightened focus on RSIEC, an electoral body that operates under state jurisdiction, and emphasized that any interference would be unjustified.

ALSO READ: Protesters Storm Rivers Electoral Commission, Demand Election Goes Ahead Despite Police Intervention

The governor referenced a court ruling from Abuja, clarifying that the police were only instructed not to provide security for the elections, not to seal RSIEC’s offices or hinder the electoral process. He argued that a prior ruling from the Rivers State High Court should take precedence, underscoring the state’s commitment to carrying out the elections in line with the Supreme Court’s decisions.

Fubara also warned of the potential consequences of disrupting the elections, particularly concerning the well-being of local government employees who depend on the smooth functioning of the electoral process.