By Divine Sam
Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has openly challenged the Inspector-General of Police, urging him to go ahead and shoot him if necessary to prevent local government elections scheduled for tomorrow. Speaking at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Fubara accused the IG of prioritizing the interests of a single individual over the state’s governance.
He referenced a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated caretaker committees in Nigeria, asserting that while the police can refuse to provide security, they cannot legally obstruct the election itself. Fubara declared his intention to stay at the RSIEC and insisted that the elections must proceed, warning that failure to do so would lead to a constitutional crisis as caretaker committees will soon be disbanded.
In response, the police have officially withdrawn from the election, citing recent court rulings and stating their actions are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order. Despite this, various groups and political parties in the state are rallying behind Fubara’s call to proceed with the elections.