Gịnị ka ị ga-eme gbasara ọnọdụ mberede na mwepu ndị ọchịchị a họpụtara n'ihu ọha na Rivers State?

The local government elections in Rivers State tomorrow stand as a beacon of hope, offering renewed vigour to constitutional democracy at the very core of governance. These elections present an opportunity to uphold the Supreme Court's ruling on local government autonomy, breathing life into the foundational principles of our republic. Undoubtedly, this election resounds as a powerful affirmation of constitutionalism and the rule of law, a cause that should rally the support of all true champions of democracy. It is a call to every believer in the democratic process to stand firm in defence of the people's right to choose their leaders freely and fairly. I commend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, @SimFubaraKSC, for his courageous leadership in ensuring local government elections are held in Rivers State. I also encourage every resident to embrace their civic duty with peace and purpose as they cast their votes, selecting those who will lead at the grassroots level.

With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the State. From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy. As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers. As I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government leaders, I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour and shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours. Moreover, I commend the resilient people of Rivers State for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday's election unfolded with peace and integrity.

Nigerians bore witness to a chilling display of lawlessness yesterday, as the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) exposed the depths of its desperation to retain power at all costs — through sheer political brigandage and the subversion of democracy. In Osun State, the APC orchestrated a full-scale assault on the democratic process, attempting to hijack the local government elections through brute force. Armed thugs and mercenaries, operating under the party’s protection, launched an audacious bid to seize control of all 30 local government area council secretariats. And yet, the so-called national leadership of the APC and the presidency watched in complicit silence. Had it not been for the fearless resistance of Osun people — who stood their ground against the APC’s rampaging foot soldiers — democracy in the state would have been trampled under the boots of political marauders acting at the behest of their party’s overlords.

A Manufactured Crisis for Political Control This State of Emergency declaration is not about security—it is about power. The disagreements within Rivers State stem from the defection of 27 Assembly members from the PDP to the APC, their loss of seats under constitutional provisions, and the subsequent political manoeuvring to undermine the Governor’s mandate. Rather than allowing the law to take its course, the federal government has engineered a crisis to justify this unconstitutional action. The excuse of pipeline vandalism—an issue squarely under the control of federal security agencies and privately contracted security firms—is laughable. If security breaches are the concern, the first question should be: Who controls the police, the military, and the DSS? The Governor or the President? Our Demand and Call to Action 1.Immediate Reversal: We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State.

Immediately I left the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre where we had addressed a joint press conference of the Coalition of Opposition Political Parties in which we called for President Tinubu to reverse the declaration of a state of emergency rule in Rivers State; I spoke to a former Governor of Rivers, His Excellency Chief Rufus Ada-George. At the time we spoke, Ada-George was presiding over a meeting of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum. I impressed on him the need for them to reach out to the lawmakers from the region to vote against the proclamation of state of emergency rule in Rivers State. -AA

The local government election conducted by the occupation government in Rivers State is an awful absurdity and a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy. By the shameful and shambolic manner in which the occupation government went ahead to conduct local government elections in RiversState, it is clear that the ruling APC party is not leaving anyone in doubt that it is prepared to throw caution to the wind in order to achieve an inordinate political advantage. It therefore becomes necessary to call the attention of well-meaning Nigerians. international community and all friends and partners of Nigeria to the dangerous curve that the President Bola Tinubu regime is taking our dear country. I will also call on all opposition parties in Rivers State to reject the local government election on the premise that the occupation government that conducted the exercise is extraneous to our laws, with absolutely no legitimacy to undertake such a crucial and sensitive assignment.