The Action Peoples Party (APP) has emerged victorious in 22 chairmanship seats during the recently held local government elections in Rivers State. Governor Siminalayi Fubara defied multiple challenges, including protests from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as the refusal of police security, citing a Federal High Court ruling, to successfully conduct the elections.
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns about the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, comparing it to the infamous Western Region crisis. He called on security agencies to intervene and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Supporters of the APC and PDP, many of whom are aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, launched large-scale protests in an attempt to halt the elections. Despite these efforts, explosions were reported at the APC state secretariat in Port Harcourt and the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, while election results in Etche LGA and 319 councillorship seats are still being collated by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
In the run-up to the elections, the APC had obtained a judgment from the Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing voter registers to RSIEC. Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was instructed not to deploy security personnel for the elections. Governor Fubara, however, proceeded with the polls, citing a Supreme Court ruling that mandated democratic governance for all local governments and a Rivers State High Court ruling.
Despite the lack of police security, the elections were held peacefully, with RSIEC Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli announcing that the APP secured the majority of valid votes in the 22 LGAs. The election was reportedly peaceful in most areas, though incidents of violence and disruptions were observed in Obio/Akpor, Ogbunabali, and other locations.
Former President Jonathan warned that the rising political tension in Rivers State, compounded by conflicting court orders, could destabilize the state and undermine Nigeria’s democracy. He urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to address the issue of conflicting rulings and emphasized the need for state institutions, particularly security agencies, to uphold peace and justice.
Additionally, explosions at the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt and the Obio/Akpor LG council have raised security concerns. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that an investigation into the explosions has begun, with reports indicating that the perpetrators arrived in a Toyota Hilux vehicle.
In defense of the elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar supported the conduct of the polls, affirming that they align with the Supreme Court’s judgment, which mandates local governments to hold democratic elections across Nigeria.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
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