The Rivers State Police Command has explained that it deployed operatives to the State Electoral Commission (SIEC) office to prevent an attempted arson attack by hoodlums.
According to Grace Iringe-Koko, Superintendent of Police and Public Relations Officer, the police received intelligence reports that hoodlums planned to set the RSIEC office ablaze. In response, police personnel were immediately deployed on Thursday night to secure the facility.
Iringe-Koko noted that initially, policemen from the State Government House were deployed to the RSIEC office but were withdrawn following a court order barring police participation in the electoral process.
“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to allegations by Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara that police officers were at the RSIEC office to cart away sensitive electoral materials,” she said. “However, our deployment was a response to credible intelligence on planned arson attacks.”
Iringe-Koko emphasized that police personnel will not participate in the polls and urged residents to act within the law.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to maintaining peace and order. We will do everything possible to ensure public safety,” she stated.