The political landscape in Rivers State took a dramatic turn yesterday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara swore in 23 new local government chairmen, amidst a heated feud with Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The ceremony, held at the Executive Council Chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt, marked a significant development in the ongoing power struggle between the two political leaders.
The Action Peoples Party (APP) dominated the polls, securing 22 out of the 23 available chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance candidate won one seat.
Fubara urged the chairmen to embrace a spirit of servant leadership, emphasising the need to remain humble in their positions.
Recall that the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejected the Rivers State local government election and its outcome, insisting that no election was held in the state.
Despite opposition from the loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, the election was conducted on Saturday as directed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced that the Action Peoples Party (APP) secured 22 out of the 23 chairmanship positions in the October 5 poll.
However, the APC publicity secretary in Rivers State, Ikenga Chibike, described the election as a mirage and a “cooked-up result.”
He said the party decided to boycott the election to “obey the judgement from the Federal High Court, which barred the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from going ahead with the election.”
Chibike added, “As far as APC is concerned in Rivers State, there was no election on Saturday, so if anybody is announcing anything, it is a cooked-up result.
“The law remains the law. It says that if RSIEC must conduct a proper election, it must follow the due process.
“The court had also declared that every action taken prior to this time is null and void. We are standing with that judgement so we did not participate.”
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the citizens of Rivers State for their decisive rejection of political godfatherism during the recent local government elections.
In a statement released via his social media platform, Atiku noted, “The turnout and the manner elections were conducted showed that the people were resolute and undaunted in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.”
His remarks come in the wake of controversies surrounding the elections, which faced resistance from prominent political figures, including the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Atiku further acknowledged the efforts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating, “I commend Governor Fubara for his commitment to safeguard the sanctity of the local government elections in the face of provocation and tribulations.”
The former PDP presidential candidate emphasised that the elections marked a victory for democracy, stating, “In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process.”
He urged the newly elected local government leaders to prioritise the welfare of the citizens, advising them to “shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours.”
The elections, which were conducted amidst accusations of intimidation and interference, have been viewed as a pivotal moment for Rivers State, reflecting a collective desire for change and accountability in governance.