Fubara foils attempt to hijack electoral materials ahead of Rivers LG poll

In the early hours of Friday, October 4, 2024, security operatives led by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara thwarted an attempt by individuals dressed in police uniforms to seize the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The incident, which occurred around 1:00 a.m., saw the suspects trying to breach the gates and the strong room of the RSIEC office in an effort to steal sensitive electoral materials meant for the upcoming Local Government Election scheduled for Saturday.

A source close to the situation, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the plot was foiled when alert security personnel notified key officers of the commission and government authorities.

Governor Fubara was immediately informed of the situation and swiftly led a team of government officials, lawmakers, and political stakeholders to the scene.

Addressing the press in front of the RSIEC office on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara condemned the incident, praising the security operatives for their vigilance.

“This election is an internal state affair, and any attempt to disrupt it will not be tolerated,” the governor remarked, urging those attempting to interfere to allow the state’s electoral process to proceed without external influence.

As of this morning, sources report that government officials, political stakeholders, and supporters are maintaining a vigil at the RSIEC office to ensure the safety of the electoral materials.

Efforts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, for comment were unsuccessful, as her phone was unreachable, and she had yet to respond to a text message as of the time of filing this report.