By Aaior K. Comfort

Security personnel in Rivers State intercepted an attempt by individuals posing as police officers to seize sensitive election materials from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, around 1 am, just ahead of the local government elections set for Saturday.

The perpetrators attempted to breach the gates and access the strong room housing the electoral materials. However, alert security officers quickly raised the alarm, which led to the involvement of senior officials and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who arrived promptly at the scene.

According to a source present at the scene, though unauthorized to speak publicly, the governor was accompanied by lawmakers, key political stakeholders, and other government officials to the RSIEC office located on Aba Road in Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara condemned the act and commended the security forces for their swift response, ensuring the situation was under control.

Fubara emphasized that the conduct of local government elections is a state affair, urging those aiming to disrupt the process to allow the state to manage its affairs without interference. In light of the attempted breach, government officials, stakeholders, and supporters are keeping a close watch at the RSIEC facility to prevent further disruptions.

Efforts to reach the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, for comments were unsuccessful as her phone was unreachable. Further details are expected as the situation develops.