IGP Egbetokun Responds to Governor Fubara’s Allegations

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has responded to recent allegations made by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, regarding the invasion of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s Office in the early hours of Friday October 4, 2024. The NPF has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining political neutrality, clarifying that its actions were in line with a subsisting court order.

In a press release dated October 4, 2024, the NPF stated that the Federal High Court had issued an order barring the police from direct involvement in the elections, and this order was duly served to both the NPF and the Rivers State Government. In strict compliance with the ruling, the Inspector-General of Police instructed the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to refrain from participating in the election process.

However, on the evening of October 3, 2024, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police received reports that officers from the Government House had been deployed to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) to facilitate the election. This development was promptly communicated to the Inspector-General of Police, who authorized the withdrawal of these officers and their replacement with personnel from the Command’s Operations Department. The sole mandate of these officers was to provide security at the RIEC office overnight, ensuring the facility was not compromised or attacked.

The NPF highlighted the precarious security situation in the state, which has been marred by a series of court orders and counter-orders, heightening tensions among political party supporters. The decision to deploy officers from the Operations Department to safeguard RIEC was a proactive measure, in response to credible intelligence, to prevent any potential security breaches.

The press release also expressed surprise at Governor Fubara’s actions, noting that he stormed the RIEC office that night, accusing the police of interference and using derogatory language to describe the Inspector-General of Police. The NPF strongly condemned the governor’s outburst, labeling it as both unwarranted and unacceptable. The police advised all political actors to exercise restraint and decorum in their pursuit of political objectives.

Furthermore, the NPF reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property in Rivers State. The press release condemned threats of violence, including threats to “shed blood” or “burn down the state” over local government elections, stating that such actions will not be tolerated. The NPF assured residents of Rivers State that it would work with other security agencies to maintain law and order and has increased security deployments across the state.

The Inspector-General of Police called on all citizens of Rivers State to continue their daily activities peacefully, as the police remain vigilant in their duty to protect the state and uphold the law.