Governor Fubara Dares IGP, Insists Rivers Local Government Elections Must Hold

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a bold challenge to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), daring him to order his shooting if it will prevent the smooth conduct of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5.

The confrontation arose after Governor Fubara confronted a group of police officers who were reportedly attempting to seal off the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises on Friday morning, citing a Federal High Court ruling. The police had earlier announced the withdrawal of their personnel from the election, raising concerns about the poll’s security.

Speaking to the press at the RSIEC office, Fubara criticized the IGP for alleged bias, accusing him of displaying excessive loyalty to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister. The governor maintained that a Supreme Court ruling against caretaker committees in Local Government Areas supports his decision to proceed with the election.

“Keep your security, I do not need it. This election must hold on Saturday, and the results will be declared, with winners sworn in,” Fubara asserted.

In a fiery declaration, he added, “Try it, and part of your history as a wicked IGP would include shooting Fubara. I’ve shown enough respect, but the election must hold; let anything that wants to happen, happen.”

The standoff underscores rising tensions between the Rivers State Government and federal authorities over the upcoming local government elections.