Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has acknowledged that he will be the biggest loser in the upcoming local government elections, as the Peoples Democratic Party will not participate.
Nonetheless, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to fostering a sustainable democracy and stated that he would not tolerate any groups or individuals attempting to create chaos or instability in the state.
He urged all registered voters and political leaders to be present at their polling units on October 5, 2024, to participate in the election that will bring new leadership to the 23 Local Government Councils.
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Fubara made these remarks during a meeting with Rivers Political Stakeholders at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday in preparation for the upcoming election.
This was stated in a release from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, shared with the media. Fubara clarified that his government’s stance on the upcoming election is unequivocal, asserting that it will be held and concluded as planned.
He emphasized that only registered voters residing in the state will be allowed to participate in the local government election.
He said: “Go, do what the law says you should do, as demanded by the RSIEC Law, and leave the rest. RSIEC will take it from there, and when RSIEC finishes its part, the government will also take it from that point and finish its part, and the process will all be consummated by the special grace of God in a few days coming.”
On PDP not participating in the poll, Fubara said: “You know this election, I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating. It is the truth! But because of the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of local governments, as a Governor, I have to obey that.
“It did not end there. The President, after the Supreme Court ruling, invited us and we had an understanding that we have a compliance duration of 90 days. So, what we are doing here is to make sure that even if my party is not participating, the local council process must stand for Rivers State.
“And a good number of you here are my party faithful and you are not even benefiting from it, and you are here supporting us. So, what is the problem?
“So, I want to thank you for supporting democracy. I want to thank you for ensuring that there is a rule of law. I want to thank you for sticking your neck out to make sure that Rivers State still stands among the comity of states.”
Fubara appealed to everyone to return to their various LGAs, follow the process, be law-abiding, and eschew violence.
“I want to thank you for standing with us and assure you that with your strength, we will continue to stand with the flag, and we will not let the flag of Rivers State down by any means.
“So, let me conclude by assuring you again, don’t allow anybody, don’t allow any propaganda, don’t allow any aluta movement, and don’t allow any story from the pit of hell to deter your spirit at this point.
“I am really happy that everyone is in high spirits. Be assured that the government will do everything to make sure that Rivers State is not put in any state of confusion,” he added.
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