Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a strong warning to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, urging him to refrain from making unsubstantiated accusations and threats of violence concerning the forthcoming local government elections.
This development follows Governor Fubara’s public declaration that he would hold the IGP personally responsible if there were any disturbances or breaches of law and order in Rivers State. The governor’s statement came after he reportedly intervened at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, where he allegedly prevented police officers from removing election materials ahead of the scheduled polls.
The incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened political tensions surrounding the local government elections in Rivers State, with concerns mounting over potential unrest.
In response, IGP Egbetokun, through a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, expressed his surprise at the governor’s actions. The statement emphasized the importance of caution and decorum in political pursuits, condemning Governor Fubara’s threats.
“The Nigeria Police takes exception to the unwarranted outburst by the Governor, particularly the serious accusations he falsely made against the Inspector-General of Police and the entire Nigeria Police Force. We advise caution and decency in the pursuit of individual political goals,” the statement read.
The IGP also criticized the governor’s rhetoric, adding, “Threatening to shed blood and burn down the state over a local government election is unacceptable to us.”
IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and security, stating that the force would collaborate with other security agencies in Rivers State to ensure the prevention of any breakdown of law and order.
“To this end, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered an increased deployment of officers to Rivers State to strengthen security across the region. We encourage the citizens of Rivers State to continue with their lawful activities,” the statement concluded.
