In the early hours of Friday, October 4, 2024, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara successfully thwarted an attempt by men in police uniform, allegedly led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to break into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The intruders, believed to be acting on orders from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), tried to seize sensitive materials meant for Saturday’s local government elections. The officers reportedly arrived at the RSIEC facility around 1 a.m., attempting to breach the gates and access the strong room containing crucial election materials. However, alert security personnel at the scene quickly raised the alarm, prompting swift action from RSIEC staff, who notified Governor Fubara.
The governor wasted no time in assembling a high-powered rescue team that included lawmakers from both the National and State Assemblies, top government officials, and political stakeholders. The team rushed to the RSIEC headquarters on Aba Road to confront the situation.
Addressing reporters outside the RSIEC office, Governor Fubara condemned the actions of the rogue officers, accusing the Inspector-General of overstepping his authority, possibly due to political connections in Abuja. He emphasized that local government elections fall under the jurisdiction of the state and should remain free from federal interference.
Fubara further criticized the attempt to replace the police officers already stationed at the facility with personnel from another state, describing it as an unlawful and politically motivated maneuver. In a bold move, the governor vowed to provide alternative security if necessary to ensure that the elections proceed peacefully on Saturday.
In response to the attempted breach, Rivers citizens have gathered in large numbers at the RSIEC office, ensuring that the rogue officers, who arrived in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles, are unable to return.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the people of Rivers State, who view the interference as a direct attack on their democratic rights. Governor Fubara’s quick intervention has reassured the public that the elections will go ahead as planned, with any external attempts to disrupt the process firmly resisted.
Governor Fubara called on the people of Rivers State to turn out in large numbers on Saturday and exercise their right to vote, ensuring that the democratic process remains intact.
