- Recall that Security operatives in the state at wee hours on Friday, foiled an attempt by men dressed in police uniform to take over the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
- The incident reportedly occurred around 1 am on Friday (today)
Protesters converged on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission on Friday, demanding that the election proceed as scheduled,
They were heard chanting “Election must hold”.
Undeterred by heavy rainfall, they set up canopies, sang, and drummed, blocking one side of the road.
This demonstration followed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s early morning visit to the commission to thwart the police’s attempted takeover.
Governor Fubara expressed outrage over the police’s plan to halt Saturday’s voting, stating, “Keep your security, I do not need it. It happened in Anambra State. This election must hold on Saturday. The result will be declared, the winners will be sworn in.”
Earlier, security operatives foiled an attempt by impostors dressed in police uniforms to infiltrate the commission’s office around 1 am on Friday.
The would-be infiltrators aimed to steal sensitive electoral materials for Saturday’s local government election.
A witness revealed that vigilant security officials alerted commission leaders and government authorities, promptly informing Governor Fubara, thereby thwarting the attempt.
This incident follows the police’s withdrawal from the election, citing a Federal High Court ruling.
The Rivers governor had declared holiday for the conduct of the polls.