Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers people will resist any attempt from any quarter to scuttle Saturday 5th October 2024 Local Government election.
Governor Fubara made the disclosure at a media briefing that took place at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Governor also accused the Inspector General of Police and the entire Nigeria Police Force of complicit in the threat posed at having hitch-free Local Government polls.
Governor Fubara said the police is serving the interest of an Abuja-based politician to scuttle the scheduled 5th October 2024 election in the State.
To confirm that position, Governor Fubara said, acting on an Intel, he swiftly got to the headquarters office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt 1:00am breaking to Friday.
He got there and saw fierce looking police officers who attempted to cart away sensitive Electoral materials.
Governor Fubara wondered why the Nigeria Police would yield itself to carry out such unlawful act against their statutory responsibility of maintaining the peace, therefore should not involve in crime related activities.
The Nigeria Police is yet to respond to allegation by the Governor.
Meanwhile the Nigeria Police has disclosed that it will not partake in the LGA elections in Rivers State on Saturday,5th October,2024.
Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command,SP Grace Iringe Koko in a statement on Thursday 3 October,2024 said “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 judgment of the Federal High Court.
“In view of the above, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department to comply with the judgment 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”.