Angry citizens of Rivers State on Friday stormed the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), demanding the immediate conduct of the October 5 local government elections. The protesters, defying heavy rainfall, gathered outside the RSIEC office, singing, drumming, and blocking one side of the road in a show of frustration and determination.
The demonstration follows a tense early morning standoff when Governor Siminalayi Fubara personally intervened at around 1 a.m. on Friday to prevent the Rivers State Police Command from taking over the RSIEC premises. This move by the governor came amidst growing concerns over delays and potential disruptions to the scheduled local government elections.
Protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the uncertainty surrounding the elections, chanting slogans and demanding the polls proceed as planned. The heavy police presence and attempts to secure the RSIEC office have heightened tensions, with citizens eager to see the electoral process move forward.
As the situation continues to unfold, the actions of both the state government and the electoral commission will be closely watched, with the people of Rivers State calling for transparency and adherence to the election schedule.
