Security personnel in Rivers State successfully thwarted an attempt by individuals disguised as police officers to seize control of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Friday.
Sources revealed that the group attempted to breach the gates and access the strong room of the commission in an effort to steal sensitive materials intended for Saturday’s local government election.
“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,” an eyewitness said, though the source was not authorized to speak publicly.
In response, Governor Fubara, accompanied by lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, as well as top political stakeholders, arrived at the scene to assess the situation.
Addressing journalists outside the RSIEC office on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Fubara condemned the incident and praised the swift action of the security personnel.
“The governor said local government elections are internal affairs of the state and advised those attempting to disrupt the process to allow the federation unit to conduct its affairs without interference,” another source from Government House reported.
Meanwhile, government officials, stakeholders, and supporters are maintaining a vigil at the commission office to ensure the integrity of the election materials.
Attempts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, were unsuccessful as her phone was not reachable. A text message sent to her remained unanswered at the time of filing this report.
Details to follow…
