ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has strongly rebuked Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for making what he described as “unfounded allegations” against him and the Nigeria Police Force.
The confrontation centers on an incident at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, which occurred ahead of Saturday’s local government elections.
On Friday, Ocober 4, 2024, morning, Governor Fubara reportedly led a team of officials, lawmakers, and other state leaders to the RSIEC office in Port Harcourt, in an effort to prevent the police from removing election materials.
Fubara praised the security personnel on site for their vigilance and condemned the incident, accusing the police of attempting to interfere with the election process.
Fubara went further, warning that the IGP would be held responsible if law and order were to break down during the elections.
In response, IGP Egbetokun expressed shock at the governor’s actions and rejected the allegations.
In a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun described the governor’s statements as baseless and urged restraint.
“The Nigeria Police Force has noted with concern the recent statements made by the Governor of Rivers State… in which several unfounded allegations were levelled against the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read.
Egbetokun added that the governor’s accusations were “unwarranted” and advised caution in pursuing political goals.
The IGP also issued a stern warning to Governor Fubara, stating that any threats to “shed blood and burn down the state” over a local government election would not be tolerated by the police.
The tensions come just ahead of the local elections, as both sides prepare for what could be a contentious vote.
