The Rivers State Police Command has refuted claims that its officers sealed off the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office to obstruct the forthcoming local government council elections scheduled for Saturday. The police clarified that their presence was solely to maintain law and order, not to hinder the election process.
On Tuesday, reports surfaced that heavily armed officers had cordoned off the RSIEC office in Port Harcourt, sparking concerns that the police were attempting to prevent the election from taking place. This occurred as the police dispersed a group of youths who had gathered to launch a protest in the state.
Adding to the controversy, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had earlier restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register used in the 2023 general elections to RSIEC.
However, in a swift response, the Police Command dismissed these claims. Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police, explained that officers were stationed at the RSIEC office under the directive of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, to prevent any potential attacks on the facility amidst the ongoing nationwide protest.
Iringe-Koko also debunked allegations circulating on social media that the police assaulted protesters, urging the public to verify their facts before spreading false information.
“There is no truth to the reports that our officers sealed off RSIEC or assaulted protesters. Our men are there purely for security purposes and to ensure peace in the area,” she stated.
