Rivers: Protesters defy rain, insist “Election must hold” at RSIEC

A group of angry protesters gathered at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Friday, insisting that the scheduled local government elections must proceed.

Despite the heavy rain, the determined crowd set up canopies and blocked part of the road, chanting and drumming to the rhythm of “Election must hold.”

This demonstration came after Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made a surprise visit to the RSIEC office around 1 AM on Friday, stepping in to prevent the Rivers State Police Command from taking over the premises.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has instructed its commanders to enforce a Federal High Court ruling that opposes the upcoming local government elections. According to a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, the court issued a restraining order on July 19, 2024, barring the police and other security agencies from providing security for the election.

The police, advised by their Force Legal Department, emphasized their obligation to follow the court’s September 30, 2024, ruling, which prevents their involvement in the election scheduled for October 5, 2024.