Security operatives in Rivers State, on Friday, foiled an attempt by men dressed in police uniform to take over the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The incident reportedly occurred around 1 am on Friday (today).
It was gathered that the miscreants attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the commission to cart away sensitive electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the state.
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.
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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, Punch correspondent gathered that some government officials, stakeholders, and supporters are presently keeping vigil at the facility.
Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, proved abortive as her mobile was not connecting.
She had yet to reply to a text message sent to our reporter as of the time of filing this report on Friday morning.
PUNCH