Police Slam Governor Fubara’s Outburst Over Deployment Ahead of Rivers LG Elections

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has condemned Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent outburst regarding the deployment of police officers ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday.

The police described the governor’s accusations against Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun as baseless and unfounded.

In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF clarified that the police were acting in compliance with a subsisting Federal High Court order that bars them from participating directly in the Rivers elections. Adejobi emphasized that the police deployment was solely for securing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) offices, following reports of security threats.

The NPF criticized Governor Fubara’s behavior after he confronted police officers securing the RSIEC office, accusing them of trying to interfere in the elections. The statement expressed shock at the governor’s choice of words, calling his comments disrespectful to the police force.

Adejobi further warned that the governor’s threats to cause violence over the election were unacceptable. The NPF reassured the public that increased security personnel have been deployed across Rivers State to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Citizens were encouraged to continue their daily activities without fear.