Security operatives in Rivers State successfully stopped an attempt by men dressed in police uniforms to take over the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission In the early hours of Friday.
The incident took place around 1 a.m., ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday according to the PUNCH report.
According to sources, the individuals tried to scale the gates and access the strong room of the RSIEC, where sensitive electoral materials are stored.
These materials are crucial for the upcoming election. A source who witnessed the incident but was not authorized to speak on the matter said, “The move was botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the development.”
Governor Fubara, accompanied by government officials, lawmakers, and political stakeholders, quickly arrived at the RSIEC office on Aba Road, Port Harcourt. He addressed news reporters at the scene, condemning the attempted disruption and praising the security operatives for their vigilance.
In a related statement, a Government House source revealed that Governor Fubara emphasized that local government elections are state matters. The governor said, “Those trying to truncate the process and cause anarchy in the state should allow the federation unit to conduct its affairs without interference.”
At present, some government officials, stakeholders, and supporters are keeping vigil at the RSIEC facility to ensure the security of electoral materials.
Details later….
