- Fubara spits fire, vows to fight IGP, Wike over interference
*PDP gives conflicting orders to members about election
BY AMAKA AGBU & TUNDE OPALANA
Fears and uncertainties have engulfed Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, go to the political battle field over supremacy of the state in Saturday’s Local Government Council elections.
The two former political allies who parted ways shortly after the swearing in of Fubara on May 29, 2024, have taken their political battle to the grassroots in the local government elections expected to take place Saturday October 5.
Although Wike had been silent over Friday’s development in the state, political observers believed that he had been in the state more than five days now, accusing him of working hands in glove with the Inspector General of Police and the Rivers State Police command to hijack the elections or scuttle them.
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The people of the state woke up Friday morning to Fubara’s voice sternly accusing the IGP who said that in collaboration with other security agencies in the state made a failed attempt to serve the interest of “an Abuja-based politician” by scuttlling the Local Government elections.
Fubara announced that he had foiled a desperate attempt by ‘rogue policemen’ led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) of the Rivers State Command to break into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) early Friday morning.
He alleged that the officers stormed the facility around 1am, attempting to seize sensitive materials meant for the upcoming local government elections for Saturday.
According to the embattled governor, “vigilant security personnel at the scene spotted the intruders and raised alarm as they attempted breaking the gates and strong room of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.
“Quick-thinking members of the RSIEC staff alerted me and I 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.
Addressing newsmen in front of the RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Fubara said, “We came here this morning when we heard that, according to what they called themselves – Nigeria Police, are coming to take over the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. And I had to come myself to find out why such a thing would happen.
“From what I heard, that one DC Operations brought them here to withdraw the policemen that were already here protecting this place so that new officers will take over the place. But I have to say this, on a very strong note, we’ve been taking enough nonsense from this institution.
“Everybody is aware of the court judgement, and even the judgement as they call it, the ruling — did the ruling specify anywhere that election should not hold? It said, don’t give voters register. What are we doing with it? Okay, the police, don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as burking the election?
“I don’t know what the relationship between the Inspector-General of Police and one person who claims he has so much power in this state, because it is beginning to go beyond the normal professional relationship. I said the government wrote a letter with the judgment that we have, to him, and what he is acting on is what he called the judgment he got from the Federal High Court. Even at that, did the judgment from the Federal High Court say election should be barred?” he queried.
The governor noted that the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja only held that the Nigeria Police shouldn’t provide security during the election exercise, neither should the voter register be made available.
Reacting to this, Fubara lamented, “Lifu, that Justice who gave that fraudulent judgement, did he say no election? Rather, he technically said, “Don’t provide, don’t provide!” We don’t need your security, we will provide our security. After all, it happened in Anambra State. But this election must hold! If you like, whatever it is you want to do, do it. The election will be held, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in!
“When it comes to the issue of Rivers State, it becomes different. You are not ashamed of yourself. You call yourself the Inspector-General of Police. Enough is enough! If I go back and hear anybody, I will come here. This is my property, and you don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering it. Just try it. I think I have given enough respect,” Fubara fumed.
He further addressed the people of the state, saying, “Election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen. We are ready. We know that this one is going to be the last fight, and we will take it to the end.”
In the meantime, the Rivers State Police Command has stated that, it would abide by the court rulings, banning police personnel and other security agencies from providing security during the Saturday local government election in the state.
In a statement issued by its image maker, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Command stated: “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming Local Government Election, particularly in light of recent court rulings.
“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”.
Given the prevailing circumstances, a political analyst in the state and a Don in a university in the state who pleaded anonymity, said the withdrawal of the police from the election is a call for anarchy.
He told Saturday Times that the state would be thrown into a war zone when the political gladiators provided their own private security outfits for the elections which might lead to bloodbath with heavy casualties.
The don said: “I can foresee an unprecedented bloodbath in this state and the declaration of a state of emergency in it. It is a planned deal. I weep for this state”.
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