As the local government election approaches in Rivers State, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has accused the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of facilitating disorder in the state. During a press conference in Port Harcourt, Fubara warned the IGP to remain aware of his role as head of the police force, emphasizing that the police’s primary responsibility is to protect lives and property, not to interfere with the electoral process.
Fubara’s accusations came after an incident on Friday morning, where police officers reportedly attempted to seize electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office.
The Incident at RSIEC Office
According to Fubara, he received a security report early Friday morning that the RSIEC office had been invaded by the Nigerian Police. Upon arriving at the scene, the governor encountered heavily armed policemen in one truck and three empty vans trying to force their way into the RSIEC premises. The governor intervened and stopped the police from taking any action.
Fubara stated that the police’s attempted invasion was a deliberate effort to steal election materials, which was ultimately foiled. He warned that any further attempts to disrupt the election would be strongly resisted by his administration.
Governor’s Warning to the IGP
Fubara expressed his concerns, saying, “The IGP should be aware that any action leading to lawlessness in Rivers State will hold him accountable. We will resist any attempts to disrupt the election.”
He further questioned why the RSIEC, an agency controlled by the state government, was being treated differently from similar institutions in other states. The governor pointed out that a court ruling only prevented the RSIEC from using the voters’ register and police protection, but did not bar the commission from conducting the election.
Legal Concerns and Federal Interference
Fubara highlighted his concerns about federal interference in state affairs, particularly the local government elections, which are under the jurisdiction of the state government. He questioned why Rivers State was being singled out, suggesting that the federal government was trying to undermine the state’s autonomy over its local government system.
He added, “Local government is the affair of the state government, and no federal institution can dictate how we run our local government system.”
Political Instability and the Broader Implications
The situation in Rivers State is a reflection of the broader toxic political climate in Nigeria, where government agencies are often used by politicians to further their own agendas. The ongoing rift between Governor Fubara and the FCT Minister is contributing to the growing instability in the state. Without a resolution, this political tension could further damage the state’s political machinery and disrupt governance.
Conclusion: A Call for Stability
The escalating tension in Rivers State ahead of the local government election underscores the need for a swift resolution to prevent further disruptions. Governor Fubara’s warnings reflect the increasing strain between state and federal authorities, raising concerns about political stability and the future of governance in the region.
