Saturday, October 5, 2024 -The Rivers State Police Command has refuted claims that its personnel attempted to break into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
In a
statement issued by Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the command, the
police clarified that officers were deployed to the RSIEC facility based on
intelligence reports about a planned arson attack. The command emphasized that
its officers were sent to secure the premises, not to interfere with electoral
materials.
The clarification follows allegations
made by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who accused the police of
attempting to seize sensitive electoral materials intended for the upcoming
local government elections. The police, however, pointed out that officers from
the Rivers State Government House had initially been deployed to the RSIEC but
were withdrawn following a Federal High Court ruling on September 30, 2024,
which prohibited police involvement in the scheduled elections.
“Conversely, in reaction to credible
and actionable intelligence received about plans by hoodlums to carry out an
arson attack on the RSIEC office, police personnel were deployed to secure the
premises,” the statement read.
The Rivers State Police Command
reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and urged residents to remain
law-abiding, assuring the public that the police will continue to uphold law
and order across the state.
0 Comments