RIVERS LG POLL: HEAVY SECURITY DEPLOYED AS RESIDENTS VOTE UNDER EMERGENCY RULE

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Security agencies have intensified their presence across Rivers State as residents head to the polls for Saturday’s local government elections.

The election, holding in all 23 local government areas, 319 wards, and 6,866 polling units, comes six months after the Supreme Court nullified the October 2024 council polls earlier conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

On Friday, security agencies staged a show of force across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor.

The convoy, led by the Nigerian Police Force, included the Nigerian Army, Navy, NSCDC, FRSC, and other allied agencies, aimed at boosting public confidence in security arrangements.

“We have put adequate arrangements in place to secure lives and property before, during, and after the elections. Our personnel and logistics deployment will ensure a free, safe, and credible exercise,” said Rivers Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju.

RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, also appealed to residents to come out peacefully, assuring them that election materials would arrive on time, including in riverine communities.

“With the cooperation of the police and sister agencies, adequate security has been guaranteed,” Odey stated in a Friday night broadcast.

Authorities confirmed that movement has been restricted across the state from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday to avoid disruptions.

The election is being conducted under emergency rule, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) serving as sole administrator after Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy were suspended in March, following a political crisis involving Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

Observers say the stakes are high, as the outcome of today’s polls could shape Rivers State’s political direction ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

As of press time, voting was ongoing in several polling units, with security operatives maintaining heavy presence at strategic flashpoints.