In the early hours of Friday, October 4, 2024, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, foiled a desperate attempt by ‘rogue policemen’ led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) to break into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The officers reportedly stormed the facility around 1am attempting to seize sensitive materials meant for the upcoming Local Government elections on Saturday.
Fortunately, vigilant security personnel at the scene spotted the intruders and raised alarm as they attempted breaking the gates and strong room of RSIEC. Quick-thinking members of the RSIEC staff alerted Governor Fubara, who wasted no time in assembling a high powered rescue team. The team, which included lawmakers from both the National and State Assemblies, top government officials, and political stakeholders, rushed to the facility to confront the situation.
Speaking to reporters, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe, National President Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, hailed Governor Fubara and condemned the illegal actions of the ‘rogue Police’ men, and accused the IGP of overreaching his authority due to personal connections with politicians in Abuja. He reiterated that local government elections are State matters and should be free from federal interference.
He strongly condemned the illegal attempt to remove the policemen already deployed at the facility and replace them with officers from another State.
He vowed to mobilize support to ensure peaceful election on Saturday and enjoined Rivers people to turn up en-masse.
In the light of the failed operation, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe, President General Orashi National Congress appealed for calm and pleaded with relevant authorities to allow Rivers people to come out and vote.
This incident has sparked outrage among Rivers citizens, who view the interference as an attack on their rights and democracy. Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe commended the Governor Fubara’s quick response, reiterating that the people remain united in their support for Governor Fubara and his efforts to defend the state’s democratic integrity.