LAGOS, Nigeria — The South East South South Professionals of Nigeria, SESSPN, has issued a stern warning to security forces, particularly the police, against attempts to halt the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2025 in Rivers State.
The group condemned the police’s recent actions, which they claim were based on a questionable court order, and expressed concern over potential disruptions to the democratic process in the state.
On Friday, reports emerged that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara had intervened to prevent police from taking over the state’s independent electoral commission premises, following what the police said was a Federal High Court order from September 30.
According to the police, the court had directed that the election should not proceed, and they were instructed not to allow the poll to take place.
In a statement signed by its president, Hannibal Uwaifo, and general secretary, Ireke Onuma, the SESSPN criticized the involvement of the police and called the situation a “recipe for breakdown of law and order.”
The group also pointed fingers at the former governor of Rivers State, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of being behind the unrest.
“The leadership and members of the South East South South Professionals of Nigeria have watched with deep consternation the lawless activities of the Federal Government and her agencies, particularly the Nigerian police, working to destabilize the government and the smooth running of democratic institutions of Rivers State,” the statement read.
The group drew parallels between the current crisis and past attempts to use federal might to subdue regional governments, warning of the potential consequences of such actions.
“Those who are stoking chaos in Rivers State must be reminded that the events that triggered the demise of the First Republic was the attempt to use federal might to muzzle and subdue the regional government, albeit through unconstitutional means, with the active use of the Nigerian police and other security agencies,” the statement continued.
The SESSPN reiterated the Rivers State Government’s constitutional authority to organize local government elections and questioned the legitimacy of the police’s involvement.
“The government has set a date in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court on elections into local councils. What role and which law gave the Nigerian police power to stop the elections?”
The group also criticized the broader use of security agencies to target political opponents, accusing the present administration of undermining democracy.
“The arrest, detention, and intimidation of political opponents using the police and other security agencies is the most visible achievement of the present government. The police must understand that the will of the people has limits,” the statement concluded.
The SESSPN called on all well-meaning Nigerians to stand with the government and people of Rivers State and ensure that the scheduled local government elections proceed without interference.
