Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has alleged that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, with the connivance of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is working to prevent the local government election slated for Saturday, October 5, 2024 in the state from taking place.
Fubara said Wike is desperate to thwart all efforts being put in place for the smooth conduct of the elections.
The governor noted that part of the scheme is the decision of the Rivers State Police Command to withdraw its personnel citing order from the headquarters as the reason for the decision.
Fibula, however, noted that he was not deterred by the decision as nothing but his death can stop the election from being conducted as scheduled.
The governor stressed that no individual is greater than the state and it is a delusion of grandeur for a man to think his will can supersede those of millions of people willing to exercise their franchise on Saturday.
According to Fubara, the decision of the police command not to provide security on Saturday will not scare people from trooping out to vote. He added that the decision is not without a precedent as it was witnessed in Anambra State.
“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,” Fubara said.
“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.”
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.”
Rivers has been embroiled in crisis since the supremacy battle between Fubara and Wike began. The development has factionalized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The pro-Wike camp is against the conduct of the local government election scheduled for Saturday while Fubara allies are working earnestly to ensure the elections take place.
It is believed that the outcome of the election will go a long way to decide the supremacy battle as the winner may decide who controls the party structure and calls the shot in the state.
Meanwhile, the plot of the drama thickened in the wee hours of Friday when men purportedly dressed in police uniform attempted to forcefully gain entry into the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC) in Port Harcourt.
It’s alleged that they were in the commission’s premises to cart away electoral materials to prevent the elections from being held tomorrow.
