The local government election in Rivers State is currently underway, notwithstanding the notable absence of police personnel to oversee the process.

Sources reveal that sensitive materials have been successfully distributed across various local government areas.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains resolute in his determination to conduct the election, despite escalating tensions within the state.

An explosion occurred at the Tony Okocha-led secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, located along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Saturday, October 5, 2024, during the local government election.

The explosion damaged the gate and doors of the secretariat, along with other property. According to Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC faction in Rivers State, “About 3:20am some gun-trotting young men with their explosives and all that, came here and dropped the first explosive,” but when it did not detonate, “they came back the second time to burn the structure – look at the security house is gone.”

Okocha alleged that the attack was politically motivated, accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara of responsibility. He stated, “It was deliberate to see how they can annihilate us, it is deliberate to see how they can embarrass us, it is deliberate to see how they can decimate us.”

Despite the incident, accreditation and voting have commenced in several polling centres around Port Harcourt City.

More to come…

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, has declared that nothing will prevent the local government election in the state from taking place.

Early Friday morning, Fubara arrived at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC) office in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Police operatives had initially blocked access to the facility where electoral materials are stored.

Shortly after Fubara arrived, accompanied by some lawmakers and government officials, the security operatives stationed at the RISEC office left.

The Rivers police command had previously announced that its officers would not be providing security for the election. According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers police spokesperson, the command is following an order from the federal high court in Abuja.

• ‘Police Want To Stop The Election’

Fubara criticized the presence of police officers at the RISEC office, saying it was unnecessary. He also accused Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), of taking instructions from Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

“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 further stated that the only way the election would not take place 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.”

• Wike And Fubara Rift

Rivers state has been in a tense situation due to the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike.

The local government election is now seen by both camps as a referendum on who holds real influence at the grassroots level.

Wike’s camp appears to be against the election taking place on Saturday.

On September 30, a federal high court in Abuja ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could not release the 2023 voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The court also prohibited the inspector-general of police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the election.

On October 2, INEC confirmed it had not released the voter register to RSIEC, adhering to the court’s ruling.

On October 3, a crowd gathered at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, protesting the planned local government election.

Despite the unrest, Fubara has pledged to go ahead with the election, declaring Thursday and Friday public holidays in preparation.