Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In response to recent allegations by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has firmly defended its actions during the ongoing local government elections.
Truth Live News gathered that Governor Fubara accused the police of interfering in the process, prompting a swift clarification from the NPF. The police emphasized that their involvement was in line with a Federal High Court order that instructed them to stay neutral, and any police presence at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) office was purely for security purposes.
On October 3, 2024, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police received reports that officers from the Government House were deployed to RIEC, prompting the Inspector-General of Police to withdraw these officers and replace them with personnel from the Operations Department. Their role was limited to protecting the facility from potential threats, given the escalating tensions in the state.
The NPF expressed shock at Governor Fubara’s response, particularly his visit to the RIEC office that night, where he accused the police of interference and used harsh language to describe the Inspector-General. The police condemned the governor’s outburst as unnecessary, urging political actors to maintain decorum.
Governor Fubara, a first-time leader navigating the complex political landscape, may be facing the pressure of managing high-stakes elections in a state known for its volatility.
His aggressive stance toward the police, while possibly a show of strength for his supporters, raises questions about his grasp of the nuanced relationship between political power and law enforcement.
In the meantime, the police have reinforced their commitment to maintaining peace and order in Rivers State, warning against any threats of violence over the election results. This situation is likely to test Governor Fubara’s political maturity as he grapples with the realities of governing amid tension and competing interests.
Public sentiment may be divided, with some seeing the governor’s actions as a defense of electoral integrity, while others might view it as a political novice misstepping in his interactions with established institutions.