• Accuses IGP of Unholy Alliance With “One Man Who Claims to be Most Powerful in Rivers”

• Safiu Kehinde

Ahead of the October 5 local government election, Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has, on Thursday night, intercepted plot by the Nigerian Police Force to take over the state’s Independent Electoral Commission office.

In a purported effort to execute the Federal High Court ruling on the suspension of Rivers LG election, security operatives were spotted at the RSIEC office.

Reacting, Fubara stormed the premises to challenge the Police officials while accusing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of unholy alliance with ‘ One man who claims to be most powerful in Rivers’.

The visibly enraged governor, as seen in a video on X, called out the IGP as he explained that the court ruling never barred election from holding in the state.

“We have been taking enough nonsense from this institution. Everybody is aware of the court judgement. Did the ruling specify anywhere that election should not hold? It said don’t give voters register. What are we doing with it?

“Okay Police don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking election? I don’t know the relationship between the Inspector General of Police and one person who claimed he have power in the state. I don’t know the relationship because it is beginning to go beyond the normal professional relationship.

“Even if we go by the judgement of the Federal High Court, did it say election should be barred? Lifu that gave the judgement, did he say no election? Rather, it targetedly said don’t provide.” Fubara said.

While reaffirming that the LG election will hold, Fubara told the IGP to withdraw his men, stating that he will provide his own security.

“We don’t need your security. We will provide our own security. After all, it happened in Anambra. Go away with your security.

“This election must hold. If you like, whatever you want to do, do it. The election will hold, results will be declared, people will be sworn in.

“What type of a country is this? And when it comes to Rivers state, it becomes different!

“You are not ashamed of yourself and you call yourself Inspector General of Police. Enough is enough!

“I will be here and if I hear anything again, I will come back. This is my property and you don’t have the power to bar me from entering it.

“Just try it then part of your history as a very wicked and fraudulent IGP will include shooting Fubara. I think I’ve given enough respect.

“Let me tell it to all Rivers indigene, election will hold.” The governor added.