Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, accompanied by heavily armed thugs reportedly loyal to ex-militant leader Asari Dokubo, allegedly stormed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office early Friday, October 4. The attack targeted police officers stationed to secure the premises, as Fubara’s security details forcibly moved electoral materials to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Truth Live News gathered that this move is seen as a desperate attempt by the governor to defy a Federal High Court ruling issued on September 30, barring the RSIEC from conducting the local government elections scheduled for October 5. The court had ruled that necessary legal requirements were not adhered to, effectively halting the polls. Despite this, Fubara has insisted that as governor, no court can prevent him from holding the elections.
Notably, Fubara had visited the RSIEC office earlier on September 30, where he declared himself the de facto chairman of the commission. He was allegedly accompanied during Friday’s raid by notable figures, including his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie; federal lawmaker Boma Goodhead; and wanted militia leader General Asabuja.
The Federal High Court’s order clearly stated that all acts related to the local government election were to be suspended until legal protocols were followed. However, Fubara’s actions, viewed as a blatant disregard for the rule of law, have raised tensions across the state.
Fubara’s latest actions signal a dangerous escalation in the political crisis in Rivers State, as his use of thugs and disregard for court orders is likely to provoke outrage from opposition camps, particularly those loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. With the upcoming local government polls now clouded in illegality, public trust in the electoral process may further erode, increasing political instability.