"Shoot Me If You Like': Governor Fubara Challenges IGP Over Rivers Local Government Election
By Wisdom Tide
October 4, 2024
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken a bold stand, directly challenging the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene, even if it meant ordering his shooting, to ensure the conduct of the upcoming local government election in the state. The confrontation unfolded on Friday morning when Governor Fubara arrived at the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), where police officers were reportedly attempting to seal the building.
Police Withdrawal and Court Ruling
The situation was triggered by the police's earlier announcement of withdrawing their personnel from the local government election scheduled for Saturday. This decision was based on a Federal High Court ruling, which raised concerns over the security of the election. The withdrawal left many questioning how the elections would proceed without the necessary security apparatus.
Fubara's Defiance and Accusations of Partisanship
Addressing the press at the RSIEC headquarters, Governor Fubara accused the IGP of being partisan, alleging that the police were acting under the influence of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister. He expressed dismay over what he called the police’s "excessive loyalty" to the minister, suggesting that this was compromising their neutrality in ensuring a fair and smooth electoral process.
In an impassioned speech, the governor criticized the perceived interference, stating that the police's withdrawal of security was a politically motivated move aimed at disrupting the election.
Supreme Court Ruling and Fubara’s Commitment to Rule of Law
Governor Fubara also invoked a Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the use of caretaker committees to govern Local Government Areas (LGAs). He argued that this ruling supported his administration's decision to proceed with the election as planned, emphasizing that adherence to the rule of law was crucial. Despite the police withdrawal, the governor vowed that the election would hold, come what may.
"I do not need your security," Fubara declared defiantly. "This has happened before in Anambra State. The election must hold on Saturday, the results will be announced, and the winners will be sworn in."
Tension Mounts Ahead of Election Day
Governor Fubara’s determination to proceed with the election was evident as he voiced his frustration, stating, "Enough is enough." His comments underscored his commitment to seeing the election through, regardless of the opposition from the police and the legal challenges.
The standoff between the Rivers State government and the police has escalated, with both parties firmly holding their ground. While Governor Fubara is adamant that the election will proceed as scheduled, the police's decision to withdraw security raises significant concerns about the management of safety during the voting process.
The Road Ahead: Will the Election Hold?
As the election day draws near, all attention is focused on Rivers State. The outcome of Governor Fubara’s challenge to the IGP remains uncertain, and there is a growing tension over whether further confrontations will occur or if a resolution will be reached that ensures the election proceeds without disruption.
Governor Fubara's bold stance signals a high-stakes showdown, with the integrity of the local government election and the broader issue of electoral neutrality hanging in the balance
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