Rivers State Police: Deployment to RSIEC Office Was to Prevent Arson, Not Interfere in Polls

The Rivers State Police Command has clarified its recent deployment of operatives to the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, following allegations of interference in the upcoming local government elections. According to the Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, the action was a response to credible intelligence reports that hoodlums were planning to attack and set the RSIEC office ablaze.

Iringe-Koko explained that officers were sent to secure the facility on Thursday night to prevent any attempted arson, not to interfere in the electoral process. Initially, policemen from the Government House had been deployed to the RSIEC office but were withdrawn in compliance with a court order prohibiting police involvement in the elections.

The police spokesperson addressed concerns raised by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who alleged that officers were there to seize sensitive electoral materials. Iringe-Koko dismissed these claims, reaffirming the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring public safety during the electoral period. She also urged residents to remain law-abiding.