Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to conducting the local government elections as scheduled, despite the Rivers State Police Command’s vow to stop the process.
Fubara declared, “When it comes to the issue of Rivers State, it becomes different… Enough is enough, I will be here, and if I go back and hear anybody complain, I will come here because this is my property.”
He emphasized that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, cannot prevent him from accessing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises, stating, “You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering. Try it, and part of your history as a wicked IGP would include shooting Fubara.”
The Rivers State Police Command’s opposition to the election stems from a restraining order and a September 30, 2024, Abuja Federal High Court judgment, which prohibits the police from participating in the election. The Force Legal Department has advised that the court ruling takes precedence.
Fubara’s resolve has sparked varied reactions, with some praising his determination to uphold democratic processes, while others express concerns about potential conflicts and the impact on the state’s political landscape. The elections, initially set for October 5, 2024, will be closely watched as a testament to Rivers State’s commitment to democratic principles. ¹
