The Rivers State Police Command has explained its recent deployment of officers to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, stating that it was in response to a security threat. The move was aimed at preventing an attempted arson attack by unidentified individuals.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer and Superintendent of Police, revealed that the command acted on credible intelligence suggesting that hoodlums were planning to set the RSIEC office on fire. In response, police operatives were dispatched late Thursday night to secure the premises.
Initially, officers from the State Government House were assigned to the RSIEC office, but they were later withdrawn after a court order prohibited police involvement in the electoral process.
“Governor Siminialayi Fubara raised concerns about the presence of police officers at the RSIEC office, alleging that they were there to remove sensitive electoral materials,” Iringe-Koko stated. “However, the deployment was strictly to address a potential arson threat based on reliable intelligence.”
She further reassured the public that the police would not interfere in the electoral process and urged residents to abide by the law.
“The Rivers State Police Command is dedicated to maintaining peace and ensuring public safety. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect lives and property,” she added.
