On Friday, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State affirmed that the local government elections will proceed as planned. He asserted that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, cannot prevent him from entering the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Speaking to a crowd in Port Harcourt, the governor emphasized that the IGP would have to resort to violence to stop him from accessing RSIEC. He stated, “When it comes to Rivers State, things are different. You proudly call yourself Inspector General of Police, but enough is enough. I will be here, and if I hear any complaints, I will return because this is my territory. You have no authority to keep me out.”
He warned the IGP, saying that any attempt to block him would tarnish his reputation, adding, “I have shown you respect, and to all Rivers indigenes, elections must happen; whatever needs to occur will happen.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has declared its intention to halt the local government elections scheduled for Saturday. In a statement signed by spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Command acknowledged receiving a restraining order that prevents police from providing security during the elections. It also referenced a judgment from the Abuja Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, which prohibits police involvement in the election, noting that the Force’s Legal Department advised that this ruling takes precedence.