Security operatives in Rivers State foiled an attempted takeover of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission office by men dressed in police uniforms on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 1 a.m.
The miscreants aimed to steal sensitive electoral materials for the local government election scheduled for Saturday.
A witness revealed, “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 swiftly responded, leading a team of government officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders to the scene.
Fubara condemned the incident, praising the security personnel’s alertness. “Local government election is the internal affairs of states,” he emphasized, urging those attempting to disrupt the process to respect the state’s autonomy.
Another government source quoted Fubara, “Allow the federation unit to conduct its affairs without interference.” Currently, officials, stakeholders, and supporters are keeping vigil at the facility.
The PUNCH reported that efforts to reach Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko were unsuccessful, as her mobile phone was unreachable.
The RSIEC, established under section 5(a) of the Independent Electoral Commission Law (2000), oversees local government elections in Rivers State.
Its primary function is to organize, undertake, and supervise elections to local government councils within the state.
