Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalai Hubara, has accused the Inspector-General of Police of serving the interests of anonymous politicians based in Abuja to cancel local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. He blamed the entire Nigeria Police Force (NPF). state.
Hubala made the accusation on Friday while addressing the World Press Conference at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor said local government elections, scheduled to take place in just a few hours, cannot be canceled or terminated because a particular person does not want them to take place.
He said everything that needs to be done legally, security and logistically regarding the election process, including for voters, has been finalized and voters are sensitized due to high confidence levels.
The governor said the police have been alerted and are expected to carry out their statutory professional security duties, especially since the courts have also directed them to do so in election decisions.
He said the police, far from following the law, turned into paid agents sent to attack the headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) while trying in vain to remove sensitive materials. I felt sorry.
Hubara said: “Early this morning (Friday), we received a security report that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office was invaded by the Nigeria Police Force.
*I was really surprised because before that I had obtained a copy of the signal for the withdrawal of the police officers who were guarding the premises. So, I had to drive myself to the location as this facility belongs to the Rivers State Government.
“When we arrived at the scene, everyone who went with us was surprised to see strong-looking police officers in one truck and three empty Hilux vans trying to force their way into the premises.” I encountered this.
“And I had to stop them. In the process, I discovered that this move (operation) was a deliberate attempt by the Nigeria Police Force, both the Rivers State Command and Headquarters (Abuja), to steal election materials. It turned out to be a terrible attempt. But by the special grace of God, it was stopped.
Mr. Hubala wondered how low he could stoop to allow officers to commit illegal acts that clearly suggested that the Nigeria Police Force had become an enemy of Rivers State.
The governor also questioned why the Nigeria Police Force would seek to take over the management of RSIEC or be used to thwart the ongoing democratic process leading to the emergence of elected political leaders at the local government level. I thought.
He further added: “I have a question here. Firstly, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, isn’t this an institution and process that is controlled by the state government? Isn’t that a system that is governed by the laws of the country? ? Why is the case of Rivers State University different?
“The second part of that is, what is special about this issue of police occupation of premises?” If their argument that there was a court order is to be followed, the court’s ruling should not give the RSIEC voter list. It states that RSIEC should not be given police protection.
“Did the judgment say the premises should be sealed or not allow elections to be held?
“However, the Rivers State Government and the RSIEC itself have also issued a judgment that clearly states: The 2023 Voter Register will be used to conduct elections; and the Police, DSS, Nigerian Army and others Sister agencies should provide security.
“I may not be a lawyer, but I clearly understand that when it comes to sentencing issues, there’s something called first in time.”
Mr. Hubala asked if there was any other court bigger than the Supreme Court of Nigeria that he was not aware of. Judgments on the proper composition of elected local government councils have been followed in Rivers State.
The governor said that among all security agencies, only the Nigeria Police Force is behaving so strangely, posing a threat to the country’s democracy.
he said: “Why are they looking for a way to slaughter this state? The Supreme Court has ruled that all local government activities must be conducted by elected officials.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in agreement with the state governors, has directed them to comply with this judgment within 90 days from the date of the judgment.
“And every other state is conducting elections to ensure they comply with this directive, based not only on the Supreme Court’s decision but also on their understanding with the president.
“And what Rivers State is doing is no different. And the big question is, is there any other court bigger than the Supreme Court?”
Mr. Hubala also referred to a case in Nigeria regarding the failed general elections of June 12, 1993, in which the Supreme Court ruled that no court should stay the process on election issues. I put it down.
The governor said: If I feel uncomfortable and don’t want to participate in the election, should I go to court?
“Do you want to stop the electoral process, create trouble, create anarchy in the state? We are already suffering, people are starving, and you are They’re trying to kill a government official.”
He assured Nigerians, especially the peace-loving people of Rivers State, that the elections would go ahead and nothing could stop them as all the necessary things were in place.
The governor declared: “Regarding security issues, if you feel that the police do not want to participate in the elections, then they should withdraw.
“I am saying this here so that the Inspector General of Police will be made aware and aware of any act that is contrary to the peace of this state, any act that brings lawlessness to this state. I think there is. After all, he should be ready to take responsibility.
“Why is the Rivers State case different? Does it mean that the laws or constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are being interpreted differently when it comes to Rivers State?”
Hubala stressed that Saturday’s local government elections are sacred and everyone will work together to ensure they are held peacefully so that a winner is ultimately sworn in to lead the council. I asked.
he said: “If you listen to this press conference, I am not crying. I am not calling the international community (for help). I’m not calling on the international community.
“But from now on, I want you to know that we are ready. Every person has to stand on the side of truth once in a lifetime. Even if it takes your life. Even history will never forget you.
“The great Martin Luther King Jr., we’re going to talk about him today. We’re going to talk about him because he stood for the truth and lived his life. If you want to be the king of Rivers State, so be it!”
