On Friday, a large group of angry protesters gathered at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, chanting slogans like “Election must hold” despite heavy rain.
The demonstrators set up canopies and blocked part of the road as they sang and drummed in defiance of the weather.
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The protest followed an earlier incident in which Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara rushed to the RSIEC to prevent the Rivers State Police Command from taking control of the electoral office.
The governor expressed his frustration over the police’s plans to halt the voting exercise scheduled for Saturday, stating, “Keep your security; I do not need it. It happened in Anambra State. This election must hold on Saturday. The results will be declared, and the winners will be sworn in.”
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In a related incident, security operatives successfully thwarted an attempt by individuals dressed in police uniforms to seize the RSIEC office around 1 a.m. on Friday.
These individuals reportedly tried to breach the gates and strongroom to steal sensitive electoral materials needed for the upcoming local government elections.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the operation was disrupted when alert security personnel notified key officials at the commission and relevant government authorities.
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This information was swiftly communicated to Governor Fubara.
Meanwhile, the police had previously announced, citing a ruling from a Federal High Court, that they would withdraw their personnel from the election set for Saturday.
