By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, stating that he will hold him responsible if there’s a breakdown of law and order in the state. This comes after Fubara foiled an alleged attempt by Nigerian Police to steal election materials for the upcoming Local Government election.
Fubara interrupted the police’s invasion of the Rivers Independent National Electoral Commission (RISEC) office, which is under state government control. He questioned the police’s actions, citing that their primary responsibility is to protect lives and properties, not barricade electoral premises.
The governor highlighted the inconsistency in the police’s actions, considering they claimed to have a court order. However, the court ruling only stated that RISEC should not receive voter registers or police protection, not that the premises should be sealed or elections halted.
Fubara emphasized that local government affairs are under state jurisdiction, and federal institutions cannot dictate how the state operates. He vowed to resist any attempts by security agencies to stop the election.
I am saying this here so that the IGP should be aware and just to know that any action that will bring a situation of lawlessness in this state and I think at the end of the day, he should be prepared to take responsibility
It’s worth noting that Fubara has been navigating complex political waters, particularly with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, with whom he has been at loggerheads over the political control of Rivers State.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, Fubara warned the IGP to be conscious of his role as head of the police force. The governor pointed out that the primary responsibility of the police is to protect lives and properties, not to barricade the premises of the electoral body.
“I am saying this here so that the IGP should be aware and just to know that any action that will bring a situation of lawlessness in this state and I think at the end of the day, he should be prepared to take responsibility.
“In the early hours of this morning, I got a security report that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission office had been invaded by the Nigerian Police. I was really surprised because before that time, I got a copy of a signal withdrawing the police officers that were guiding the premises. So, I had to drive to the premises myself since the facility belongs to the Rivers State Government.”
What is Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission? It is a facility, it is an agency, is a process that is controlled by the state government. It is a process, it is a system that it is the law of the state that governs. Why is the case of Rivers State different?
“Getting to the scene and to the shock of everyone who escorted me there, I met the presence of some fierce-looking policemen in one truck and three other empty vans trying to force their way into the premises. And I had to stop them.
“In the course of that process, we discovered that that movement was a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian Police Force Command, both the Rivers Command and the Headquarters to steal the election materials. But by the special grace of God, that act was foiled.
“Here are the questions. First, what is Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission? It is a facility, it is an agency, is a process that is controlled by the state government. It is a process, it is a system that it is the law of the state that governs. Why is the case of Rivers State different?
What is the special thing about this issue of taking over the premises? If we should go by what they claim that they have a court order, the court ruling said don’t give RSIEC voters register, don’t give RSIEC police protection. Did the judgment say seal the premises, don’t allow them conduct election?
“The second part of it is what is the special thing about this issue of taking over the premises? If we should go by what they claim that they have a court order, the court ruling said don’t give RSIEC voters register, don’t give RSIEC police protection. Did the judgment say seal the premises, don’t allow them conduct election?
“However, the Rivers State Government and the RSIEC itself also had a judgment that states clearly to conduct the election with the voters register of 2023. Police, DSS, Nigerian Army and other sister agencies should provide security.
“I might not be a lawyer, but I understand clearly that when it comes to issue of judgment, there is something they call first in time. So what is this special interest about the Federal High Court judgment? Secondly, why are they looking for a way to stampede this state? Why is the case of Rivers different? Is it that the law or the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria when it comes to Rivers State it’s interpreted in different way?
“Local government is the affairs of the state government; there is no federal institution that can dictate in any form the way and manner our local government system should operate, talk less of coming to tell us that we cannot hold election or otherwise.
“So, I have gathered you this morning to inform you that any attempt by anyone or any security agencies to stop this election, we are prepared to make sure that we resist it.”
It’s worth noting that Fubara has been navigating complex political waters, particularly with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, with whom he has been at loggerheads over the political control of Rivers State.
