In a dramatic turn of events, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, successfully foiled an audacious attempt by rogue officers of the Nigerian Police to take control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in the dead of night. The bold intervention took place at 1 AM on Friday, October 4, 2024, after an alert was raised about suspicious activities at the Commission’s premises, located in the heart of the state.
The attempted takeover, allegedly orchestrated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), was aimed at compromising the integrity of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday. Reports indicate that the officers, acting under clandestine orders, tried to breach the gates of the Commission and access the strong room where sensitive electoral materials were stored. These materials were crucial for the conduct of the elections, and their theft could have led to widespread chaos and disenfranchisement of voters.
Thanks to the vigilance of the Commission’s security personnel, the plot was uncovered before it could escalate. They swiftly alerted senior officers of the Commission and the state government, triggering a rapid response. Without hesitation, Governor Fubara led a high-powered delegation consisting of members of the National Assembly, lawmakers from the State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other prominent leaders to the scene of the attempted breach.
The Governor’s prompt action not only averted what could have been a major electoral disaster but also underscored his commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election in Rivers State. By arriving at the scene in person, Fubara sent a powerful message that such acts of subversion would not be tolerated under his watch.
Political observers have commended Governor Fubara for his swift and decisive intervention, noting that it highlights the critical role leadership plays in safeguarding democratic processes. As the state braces for the upcoming local government elections, the Governor’s actions have strengthened public confidence in the electoral process.
This foiled plot, however, raises deeper concerns about the integrity of security forces and the lengths to which certain actors may go to undermine the democratic process. Questions are likely to be asked in the coming days regarding the involvement of high-ranking police officials in such nefarious activities and what disciplinary measures will be taken to address this brazen attempt at electoral sabotage.
As Rivers State approaches its local government elections, the vigilance of security personnel and the steadfast resolve of the government will be crucial in ensuring that the voice of the people is heard without interference. The state and the nation will watch closely to see how authorities respond to this dangerous breach of trust within the police force.
PIONEER NEWS 