The Rivers State Police Command has clarified allegations made by Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara regarding police officers attempting to unlawfully remove sensitive electoral materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). In a statement released by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer, it was explained that police presence at the RSIEC office was purely for security reasons, based on intelligence reports of an impending attack.
The police officers were withdrawn following a Federal High Court ruling prohibiting their involvement in the local government elections. The command emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace and urged residents to cooperate and avoid actions that could disrupt the peace.
Despite attempts to prevent the local government election from taking place, Governor Fubara affirmed that the elections would proceed as planned. This statement came after an incident where men in police uniforms tried to take over the RSIEC office in the early hours of the morning.