In a strong declaration made on Friday, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State emphasized that local government elections will take place as planned.
Speaking at a gathering in Port Harcourt, Fubara asserted that he would not be deterred by any attempts from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to prevent him from accessing the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
“I would rather be shot than be stopped from entering the RSIEC premises,” Fubara stated, underscoring his commitment to the electoral process amid rising tensions.
His remarks highlight the ongoing political dynamics in the state and set the stage for the upcoming elections, which are expected to attract significant attention from various stakeholders.
The governor said: “When it comes to the issue of Rivers State, it becomes different, you are not ashamed to call yourself Inspector General of Police. Enough is enough, I will be here, and if I go back and if I hear anybody complain, I will come here because this is my property.
“You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering.
“Try it, and part of your history as a wicked IGP would include shooting Fubara. I think that I have given you enough respect, and to all Rivers indigenes, elections must hold; anything that wants to happen should happen.”
The Rivers State Police Command had vowed not to allow the Local government election scheduled for Saturday to go on.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko titled ‘Proposed October 5th, 2024 Local Government Chairman Election’, the Command confirmed being in receipt of a restraining order preventing the police from providing security during the LGA elections.
The Command also said it is aware of the 30th September 2024 judgement of an Abuja Federal High Court which barred the Police Force from participating in the election.
The statement further added that the Force Legal Department has advised that the court ruling takes precedence.
