Governor Fubara challenges the Inspector-General of Police over alleged interference in Rivers State’s electoral process, accusing former Governor Wike of political meddling.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has issued a bold challenge to the Inspector-General of Police, daring him to order his shooting, as tensions escalate over the sealing of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) facility. The dramatic confrontation occurred on Friday, as Governor Fubara directly confronted police officers sent to lock down the election commission’s premises. Governor Fubara challenges the Inspector-General of Police, accusing him of favoring a political agenda orchestrated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Addressing the press on-site, Governor Fubara voiced his anger, alleging that the Inspector-General’s actions were influenced by undue loyalty to one individual, Wike, who had served as Rivers State governor prior to Fubara. He expressed frustration that the police force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General, was acting on behalf of “one man who claims to own Rivers State.” By publicly confronting the Inspector-General of Police, Governor Fubara challenges what he sees as an attempt to undermine the state’s autonomy and democratic process.
Governor Fubara also highlighted that he had formally informed the Inspector-General of Police of his legal grounds for conducting the local government elections. Citing a Supreme Court ruling that deemed caretaker committees unconstitutional for running local governments, he emphasized his administration’s legitimate right to oversee the election. By invoking the Supreme Court decision, Governor Fubara challenges the Inspector-General of Police and the legal grounds for the police action.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) confirmed that all electoral materials had been successfully distributed and accredited agents had received their identification tags, signaling the readiness for a smooth election process. Governor Fubara, however, pointed out that despite these efforts, the interference by Wike and the police remained a significant threat to the state’s democratic integrity.
Governor Fubara challenges the Inspector-General of Police, declaring that the people of Rivers State must not be coerced into voting for candidates they do not support. As the duly elected governor and chief security officer of Rivers State, Fubara reiterated his call for Wike to concentrate on his current duties as FCT Minister and cease meddling in the affairs of Rivers State.
In a final resolute statement, Governor Fubara said, “If this is the last fight, so be it,” demonstrating his determination to uphold the democratic will of Rivers State, no matter the opposition.
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