Angry protesters stormed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office on Friday, chanting “Election must hold” and demanding that the scheduled election proceed despite police opposition. The crowd, undeterred by heavy rainfall, blocked one side of the road while spreading canopies, singing, drumming, and intensifying their call for the election to take place.

The protest erupted after Governor Siminalayi Fubara intervened early Friday morning, challenging the Rivers State Police Command’s efforts to take control of the RSIEC premises. In a defiant message, Fubara expressed his frustration with the police, declaring, “Keep your security, I do not need it. It happened in Anambra State. This election must hold on Saturday. The results will be declared, and the winners will be sworn in.”

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Earlier in the day, security operatives reportedly foiled an attempt by individuals dressed as police officers to break into the commission’s office. Around 1 a.m., these miscreants tried to access sensitive electoral materials by scaling the gates and attempting to break into the strong room. However, vigilant security personnel alerted the authorities, allowing Governor Fubara to act swiftly.

This protest follows the Rivers State Police Command’s announcement to withdraw their personnel from the election, citing a Federal High Court ruling. Despite this, protesters and the governor remain resolute in their demand that the local government election, scheduled for Saturday, proceed without further interference.