Gov. Fubara to Police Chief: “Shoot Me If You Like”

Gov. Fubara Dares Inspector-General of Police: “Shoot Me If You Like” – In a dramatic turn of events, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State openly challenged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, daring him to order his shooting. The tense situation unfolded on Friday morning at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises, where Governor Fubara confronted police officers sent to seal the facility.

The confrontation stemmed from a heated disagreement over local government elections scheduled to hold in the state. Fubara, visibly angry, accused the police of acting under the influence of a powerful figure, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom the governor described as “the one man who says he owns Rivers State.”

Speaking to journalists at the scene, Fubara did not mince words. He expressed frustration with the Inspector-General, accusing him of excessive loyalty to political interests rather than upholding justice. “Shoot me if you like,” Fubara dared, in reference to the police sealing the RSIEC office. He argued that the police had no legal grounds to disrupt the election process.

The governor went further, referencing a Supreme Court ruling that outlawed caretaker committees from managing local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. Fubara emphasized that he had written to the police chief, explaining his legal right to conduct the elections. He maintained that while a Federal High Court had ruled that the police could withdraw security from the elections, the same court had not prohibited the election from holding.

Governor Fubara was resolute about his decision to proceed with the elections despite the police’s withdrawal. “Keep your security, I do not need it. This election must hold on Saturday. The result will be declared, and the winners will be sworn in,” he vowed. His declaration was firm, as he expressed his willingness to stay at the RSIEC premises and wait for the police to act on the Inspector-General’s orders. “Enough is enough,” the governor exclaimed, standing defiant.

He highlighted the precedent set by a similar situation in Anambra State, where elections were held without police support. According to Fubara, the court verdicts allowed the police to step back from providing security but did not justify any further interference, such as sealing off the electoral offices.

In response to the governor’s confrontation, the Nigerian Police officially stated their decision to withdraw from the Rivers State election, citing two court rulings from July 19 and September 30, 2024, which they said made their involvement unlawful. The police explained that their actions were intended to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Additionally, they called on other security agencies to comply with the court’s directive.

To enforce their decision, the police deployed tactical units across Rivers State, intensifying the standoff with the state government. Despite this, the atmosphere remains tense as political stakeholders and citizens await Saturday’s events.

Governor Fubara’s defiance has garnered widespread support within Rivers State. Several political groups and nearly all political parties in the state have urged him to go ahead with the elections, warning of a potential constitutional crisis if local government chairmen are not elected before the end of October. Without elected chairmen, the state’s LGAs would be left without leadership, further complicating the already heated political atmosphere.

With tensions running high, the governor remains adamant that the elections will proceed. As Saturday approaches, all eyes are on Rivers State to see how the situation will unfold and whether Governor Fubara’s daring stance will be met with resistance or resolution.

In the coming days, the focus will not only be on the elections themselves but on the growing tension between the state government and the federal police. As Governor Fubara dares the Inspector-General of Police to “shoot me if you like,” the situation has become a symbol of the ongoing power struggle in Rivers State.