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Fubara Tackles IGP, Links Police Chief To Estranged Godfather, Wike

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In a dramatic confrontation, Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, launched a scathing attack on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in the early hours of Friday, accusing the police of attempting to disrupt the Rivers State council elections.

The governor’s anger was ignited after armed police officers were reportedly deployed to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) office, an act he strongly condemned.

The tension comes amidst a controversial local election in the state, marked by legal battles, allegations of interference, and a power struggle between state and federal authorities.

Fubara arrived at the scene at 1am, accompanied by top government officials, after receiving intelligence that police forces were stationed at RISIEC headquarters. The police deployment raised concerns about possible attempts to obstruct the elections, which had already been surrounded by controversy.

The governor did not hold back in his criticism. He questioned the IGP’s motives and accused the police of overstepping their boundaries. In a furious outburst, he said, “We came here this morning when we heard, according to what they call themselves, the Nigerian police, were coming to take over the premises of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. I had to come myself to find out why such a thing would happen.”

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The backdrop to this dispute is a recent court judgment that added fuel to the already volatile situation. A Federal High Court ruling had recently placed certain restrictions on the election, but Fubara was adamant that the judgment did not prohibit the polls. He claimed the ruling merely prevented the electoral body from using the national voter register, but did not ban the election altogether.

“Did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not hold? It said don’t give voter register. What are we doing with it? Police don’t provide security. Is that the same thing as blocking the election?” Fubara asked, expressing confusion and frustration over the police’s role in the affair.

The governor suggested that the police action was not merely a professional decision, but might be influenced by personal interests. Fubara hinted at possible political interference, saying, “I don’t know what the relationship is between the IGP and one person who claims he has so much power in the state.”

This was a veiled reference to forces within and outside Rivers State who may have an interest in controlling the outcome of the council elections.

Escalating Tension

The governor’s tone grew even sharper as he accused the police of undermining the state’s authority. He declared that Rivers State would not bow to intimidation from the police or any other federal institution. “Enough is enough,” Fubara thundered, as he warned that the election would go ahead regardless of the obstacles.

The stakes in this election are high. The local government elections in Rivers State are often fiercely contested, with council chairpersons wielding significant influence in grassroots politics. It is common for these elections to attract attention from both state and federal actors, making them a battleground for political control.

In his tirade, Fubara expressed deep frustration with the IGP’s handling of the situation, accusing him of bias. “You have to be ashamed of yourself, you call yourself IGP. If I go back and hear anything, I will come here,” he threatened, stressing his readiness to defend the state’s interests at any cost.

Fubara’s confrontation with the police highlights a broader power struggle between federal and state authorities in Nigeria. The Nigerian constitution grants significant powers to the federal government, particularly in areas like security, which often creates tension between state governors and federal agencies. Governors, as the chief security officers of their states, often find themselves at odds with the centrally controlled Nigeria Police Force.

In Rivers State, these tensions have been especially pronounced. Fubara, like many of his predecessors, has repeatedly clashed with federal authorities over control of state affairs. In this instance, the governor’s comments reflected long-standing grievances about perceived interference in the state’s political processes.

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“What kind of country is this? And when it comes to the issue of Rivers State, it becomes different,” Fubara lamented, implying that the federal government often applies double standards when dealing with the oil-rich state.

The governor’s determination to press ahead with the election, despite the police presence, was underscored by his vow to provide alternative security. He referenced a similar situation in Anambra State, where local elections were conducted without police involvement. “We don’t need your security. We will provide our own security. After all, it happened in Anambra,” he stated confidently.

Governor Fubara’s defiance signals a growing sense of frustration within Rivers State over federal intervention in local matters. The governor’s declaration that “this election must hold” sets the stage for a potentially dramatic showdown with the police and other federal institutions.

His rhetoric reflects a broader sense of dissatisfaction among some Nigerian states, where governors feel their authority is being undermined by federal agencies. Fubara made it clear that Rivers State would not back down, no matter the consequences. “Whatever you want to do, do it. The election must hold, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in,” he insisted.

The governor’s fierce defense of the elections is likely to resonate with his supporters, who view the polls as an important step in asserting local control over the state’s political future.

In a final rallying cry, Fubara urged all Rivers State residents to stand firm and ensure the elections proceed as planned. “Let me say it to all Rivers indigenes, everyone residing in Rivers, election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen,” he said, in a statement that captured both his resolve and the gravity of the situation.

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