Police withdrawal: Other Security agencies will step in, says Fubara

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has said other agencies will provide security during Saturday’s Local Government election.

He said this following the withdrawal of the police from the exercise, which has thrown Rivers into another round of crisis.

In a statement issued late Thursday in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers, Public Relation Officer of the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the force legal department advised the Command to adhere strictly with a federal high court judgement which restrained the police from participating or providing security during the election.

She said, “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming Local Government Election, particularly in light of recent court rulings.

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“On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a restraining order preventing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from providing security during the Local Government Election.

“Additionally, on September 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment that again prohibited the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from participating in the Local Government Election.

“Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.”

She asked all the police units and formations in the State to comply with the directive.

But at a press conference on Friday morning, the governor vowed that the election would go on as scheduled.

“We strongly believe that other security agencies are participating and will provide the necessary security coverage for the voters,” he said.

Fubara also accused Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, of taking orders from Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“We came here this morning when we heard that the Nigeria police are coming to take over the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC). I had to come myself to find out why such a thing would happen.”

“I have to say this on a very strong note. We have been taking enough nonsense from this institution. Everybody is aware of the court judgment.

“Did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not be held? It (judgment) said don’t give voter register. What are we doing with it? Police, don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election?

“I don’t know what the relationship between the inspector-general of police and one person who claims he has so much power in this state. I don’t know the relationship because it is beginning to go beyond the normal professional relationship.

“Did the judgment of the federal high court say election should be barred? Rather, it tactically said don’t provide (security). We don’t need your security. We will provide our security.

“After all, it happened in Anambra. Go away with your security. But this election must hold. Whatever you want to do, do it. The election will be held, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in,” he said.

Fubara said the only thing that can stop the election from holding is if he is shot.

“When it comes to the issue of Rivers state, it becomes different. You are not ashamed of yourself. You call yourself inspector-general of police. Enough is enough. I will be here. This (RISEC) is my property. You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering it. Just try it. That part of your history as a very wicked and fraudulent inspector-general will include shooting Fubara,” he said.

“I think I have given you enough respect. Let me tell all Rivers indigenes and everyone residing in Rivers state. The election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen.”