LG Polls: You are not ashamed of yourself – Gov Fubara blasts IGP Egbetokun

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has openly criticized the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the ongoing controversy regarding the conduct of local government elections in the state.

Speaking to journalists after visiting the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office on Friday morning, Governor Fubara accused the IG of being involved in questionable dealings with unnamed political figures, notably referring to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as someone who claims to be more powerful than the state.

“The Inspector General of Police should be ashamed of himself,” Fubara stated. He expressed frustration after learning that police authorities planned to withdraw officers previously stationed at the electoral commission’s office.

Fubara questioned the legitimacy of claims that a court order was preventing the elections from taking place.

He went on to clarify that the court had not ruled against the elections themselves, only stating that the police should not provide security.

“We do not need your security; it happened in Anambra, enough is enough,” Fubara asserted.

In a strong show of defiance, the governor emphasized his willingness to stand firm in the face of what he described as intimidation from the police.

“The IG of Police should take his fight, and that can involve shooting Fubara if that’s what he wants. This is the last fight, and we will fight it to the end,” he declared.

The controversy surrounding the elections has been brewing since a Federal High Court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to RSIEC.

Despite this, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt ruled in favor of the elections, allowing RSIEC to proceed with the local government elections scheduled for October 5.

With conflicting court rulings and rising tensions, the situation remains volatile as the state approaches the election date.