Fubara Dares IGP: Rivers LG Poll Will Proceed Despite Threats

iexclusivenews – Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, has openly challenged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of bias and insisting that the upcoming local government election in Rivers State (Rivers LG Poll) will proceed as planned. Fubara’s defiant stance comes amid allegations of police interference in the electoral process.

Fubara Dares IGP Amid Rivers LG Poll Tensions

In a bold statement following his visit to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Thursday night, Governor Fubara declared that no amount of intimidation or interference would prevent the Rivers LG Poll from taking place. He emphasized that the court’s judgment did not prohibit the Rivers LG Poll but merely restricted the provision of voter registers and police security.

Governor Fubara accused the IGP of having an inappropriate relationship with certain powerful individuals in the state, suggesting that this relationship was influencing police actions. He questioned the motives behind the police’s refusal to provide security for the Rivers LG Poll, asserting that the judgment did not bar the election but only limited police involvement.

“We have been taking enough nonsense from this institution. Everybody is aware of the court’s judgment. Did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not be held? It said don’t give voter register. What are we doing with it? Police, don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election?” Fubara questioned.

Determination to Hold the Election

Governor Fubara expressed his determination to ensure the election proceeds, even if it means providing security independently. He cited a similar situation in Anambra where elections were held without police security. Fubara’s resolve was clear as he stated that the only way to stop the Rivers LG Poll would be to shoot him.

“After all, it happened in Anambra. Go away with your security. But this election must hold. Whatever you want to do, do it. The election will be held, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in,” he asserted.

Fubara’s defiance extended to a direct challenge to the IGP’s authority, accusing him of being unprofessional and biased. He warned that any attempt to bar him from the RSIEC premises would be met with resistance, and he was prepared to take the fight to the end.

“When it comes to the issue of Rivers state, it becomes different. You are not ashamed of yourself. You call yourself inspector-general of police. Enough is enough. I will be here. This (RSIEC) is my property. You don’t have any power whatsoever to bar me from entering it. Just try it. That part of your history as a very wicked and fraudulent inspector-general will include shooting Fubara,” he declared.

Call to Rivers Indigenes

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers indigenes and residents to stand firm and ensure the Rivers LG Poll takes place. He reassured them that the election would hold, and any attempts to disrupt it would be futile.

“I think I have given you enough respect. Let me tell all Rivers indigenes and everyone residing in Rivers state. The election will hold. Anything that wants to happen, let it happen…if this is going to be the last fight, I’ll take it to the end,” Fubara concluded.

Conclusion

The tension between Governor Fubara and the IGP highlights the ongoing struggle for control and fairness in the electoral process in Rivers State. As the local government election approaches, all eyes will be on Rivers State to see how this conflict unfolds and whether the election will proceed without further interference.