Security agencies have mounted a heavy presence across Rivers State as residents troop out to vote in Saturday’s local government elections (today).
The exercise is taking place in all 23 local government areas of the state, across 319 wards and 6,866 polling units, six months after the Supreme Court nullified the October 2024 council polls conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
On Friday, security agencies staged a show of force through the streets of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, Channels TV reports.
The convoy, led by the Nigerian Police Force, featured the Nigerian Army, Navy, NSCDC, FRSC, and other allied agencies, in a bid to reassure residents of safety.
“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.
The RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, also urged voters to come out peacefully, promising the timely arrival of election materials even in riverine communities.
“With the cooperation of the police and sister agencies, adequate security has been guaranteed,” Odey said in a broadcast Friday night.
Authorities also confirmed that a restriction of movement is in force from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday to prevent disruptions.
The election is taking place under emergency rule, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) serving as sole administrator after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy in March, following a political crisis involving Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The stakes are high in today’s polls, with political watchers saying the outcome could shape Rivers’ trajectory ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
As of press time, voting was underway in several polling units, with security operatives maintaining strong visibility around sensitive flashpoints.
