Security operatives in Rivers State successfully thwarted an attempt by individuals dressed in police uniforms to seize the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission on Friday, according to Punch.
The incident reportedly took place around 1 a.m. on Friday.
Reports revealed that the perpetrators attempted to scale the gates and breach the strong room of the commission to steal sensitive electoral materials intended for the local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
A source who witnessed the incident but was not authorised to speak on the matter said, “The move was botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the development.”
The source said the governor led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to the scene.
Speaking to newsmen in front of the RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Fubara condemned the incident and commended the security men for their alertness.
Another Government House source said, “The governor said local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised those trying to truncate the process and cause anarchy in the state to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.”
Meanwhile, report state that several government officials, stakeholders, and supporters are currently maintaining a vigil at the facility.
Attempts to contact the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, were unsuccessful, as her mobile phone was not connecting.
As of Friday morning, she had not responded to a text message sent by our reporter.
Details later…