Rivers Police Command Denies Sealing RSIEC Office Amid Protests

The Rivers State Police Command has issued a statement denying reports that its officers sealed the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt. 

According to the Command’s Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police officers deployed to the RSIEC office were acting on the Commissioner of Police’s directive to protect the facility from potential attacks during the ongoing nationwide protests.

SP Iringe-Koko emphasized that the police presence was purely for security purposes and not to disrupt the electoral process.

 She also urged the public to verify information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation.

Additionally, Koko dismissed allegations circulating on social media that police officers assaulted and beat up protesters, stating that there was no truth to these claims.

The development comes as RSIEC prepares to conduct Local Government Area Elections on October 5, 2024.

 The elections have been the subject of controversy, with conflicting court orders and concerns about the electoral process.

A Rivers State High Court had earlier ordered RSIEC to proceed with the elections, directing the commission to use the 2023 voters’ register. 

The police and other security agencies have been ordered to provide adequate security during and after the polls to prevent any security breaches