Security forces in Rivers State thwarted an attempt on Friday by individuals clad in police uniforms to seize control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s office.
The event is said to have taken place at approximately 1 a.m. on Friday.
Sources indicate that the criminals tried to breach the gates and secure room of the commission to steal important electoral materials intended for the local government election scheduled for Saturday in the state.
A source who witnessed the incident but was not authorised 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.”
The source indicated that the governor headed a group comprising government officials, lawmakers from both the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, prominent political figures, and other leaders to the location.
While addressing reporters outside the RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Fubara denounced the incident and praised the security personnel for their vigilance.
Another Government House source said, “The governor said local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised those trying to truncate the process and cause anarchy in the state to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.”
At the same time, our reporter has learned that several government officials, stakeholders, and supporters are currently maintaining a watch at the facility.
Attempts to contact the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, were unsuccessful, as her phone could not be reached.
As of Friday morning when this report was filed, she had not responded to a text message sent by our reporter.
The PUNCH
