Angry protesters stormed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office on Friday, chanting and insisting that the upcoming election must proceed. Despite heavy rainfall, the demonstrators set up canopies, sang, drummed, and blocked part of the road.
The protest followed an earlier confrontation between the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rivers State Police Command, which attempted to take control of the RSIEC premises. The governor expressed outrage at the police’s plans to halt the election, declaring, “Keep your security, I do not need it. This election must hold on Saturday. The result will be declared, and winners will be sworn in.”
Earlier on Friday, security operatives thwarted an attempt by men disguised in police uniforms to infiltrate the RSIEC office and steal sensitive materials for Saturday’s local government elections. According to sources, the attempt occurred around 1 a.m., but vigilant security personnel alerted the commission’s principal officers, leading to the governor’s involvement.
The police had previously announced the withdrawal of their personnel from the election, citing a Federal High Court ruling.
