Rivers State is once again caught in the web of political unrest following the controversial local government elections held on Saturday, which saw violence, explosions, and the results favoring the Action Peoples Party (APP). The contentious elections, marked by chaos and accusations of illegality, have deepened the divide within the political landscape, sparking outrage from key factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), with both parties vowing to seek redress through the courts.
The local government elections saw the APP, a relatively minor party in the state, clinching 22 out of the 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance (AA) took the remaining seat in Etche Local Government Area. The APP also dominated the councillorship slots, winning 314 out of 319 wards. These results have been heavily criticized by rival political factions, particularly those loyal to the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
PDP Faction Loyal to Wike Rejects Poll, Declares It Illegal
Hours after the results were announced, the PDP faction loyal to Wike, now opposing the current Governor Siminalayi Fubara, dismissed the entire election process as illegal. Kenneth Yowika, the state Publicity Secretary for the Wike-led PDP, vehemently rejected the election outcome, asserting that no valid election had taken place in Rivers State on Saturday.
Yowika cited a ruling by the Federal High Court, which he said barred the state from conducting the local government polls. He accused the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) of defying the court order, labeling the entire election as a “charade.” He emphasized that “no election took place, and anything done in the name of swearing-in council chairmen is illegal and will be challenged in court.”
In a strongly worded statement, Yowika said, “We stand by the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which clearly barred the conduct of these elections. The Rivers State Government has chosen to violate this order, but we will continue to pursue legal means to ensure that justice is done.”
APC Factions Also Clash Over Election Legitimacy
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has also been sharply divided over the election results, with factions loyal to Chief Tony Okocha and former Governor Rotimi Amaechi taking opposing stances.
Chibuike Ikenga, the Publicity Secretary of the Tony Okocha-led APC faction, mirrored the sentiments of the Wike-aligned PDP, insisting that the election should never have been held due to the court injunction. Ikenga argued that the state government acted illegally by proceeding with the election and that the APC would not recognize the outcome. He said, “Our position is clear: you cannot build something on nothing. The Federal High Court gave a ruling, and it should be respected. The swearing-in of the council chairmen is neither here nor there for us.”
Ikenga also hinted at a protracted legal battle, confirming that the matter is still pending in the Court of Appeal after the state government’s request for a stay of execution was denied. He reaffirmed that his faction would continue to challenge the legality of the election through legal channels.
Conversely, the Amaechi-aligned faction of the APC expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the party had won a councillorship seat and would not contest the results. Chizi Enyi, Chief of Staff to the APC Chairman, Emeka Beke, expressed relief that the election had been held and that the APC secured a win in the midst of what he described as “a difficult and tense political atmosphere.”
“We are satisfied with the election, and we accept the outcome. We won a councillorship position, and we are not going to contest the results in court,” Enyi said, subtly distancing his faction from the ongoing legal challenges posed by other parties.
Governor Fubara Swears in Elected Council Chairmen Amid Legal Threats
Despite the backlash and looming court battles, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara proceeded with the swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected council chairmen of the state’s 23 local government areas. The ceremony took place just hours after the RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, issued certificates of return to the election winners.
Addressing the new chairmen, Governor Fubara declared that Rivers State had entered “a new season of transformation” where democracy would thrive, and people would witness the delivery of democratic dividends. He praised the people for supporting his administration in salvaging the local government system, which he claimed had been on the verge of collapse due to political interference.
In a show of confidence, Fubara dismissed allegations that the election was marred by violence and irregularities, insisting that the process was credible and peaceful. He urged the newly elected chairmen to focus on grassroots development and embrace their roles as servant-leaders. “You have been elected to serve, not to be emperors. Put the people first and deliver on the promises you’ve made to them,” Fubara admonished.
Violence, Explosions, and Tensions Mar Polling Day
The local government election day itself was far from peaceful, with reports of explosions and gunfire disrupting voting in several areas. In some local government areas, including Ogoni and Etche, there were instances of violence that left residents shaken. Several polling units experienced disruptions, and voters expressed fear for their safety as armed groups clashed near polling centers.
Despite these incidents, RSIEC Chairman Enebeli declared the elections free, fair, and peaceful, even in the absence of police or security forces. He praised the people of Rivers State for conducting themselves in an orderly manner, insisting that the results reflected the will of the people.
Enebeli, while presenting certificates to the newly elected council chairmen, stated, “The ballot paper in the hands of the people is stronger than arms and ammunition. The results of these elections make a profound statement about the power of democracy in Rivers State.”
Atiku, Others Weigh In on Election Controversy
Former Vice President and PDP Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, added his voice to the growing controversy. Atiku commended Governor Fubara for resisting political “godfathers” and ensuring that the local government elections went ahead, describing the process as a step forward for democracy in Rivers State.
Atiku urged the newly elected chairmen to prioritize the welfare of the people and to avoid the pitfalls of tyranny and political manipulation. He praised the resilience of Rivers State residents in the face of adversity, noting that the outcome of the election signaled the rejection of political oppression.
“From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can be stronger than democracy,” Atiku said in a statement. He also urged the chairmen to govern with humility and a focus on the people’s needs, cautioning against delusional political ambitions.
Ogonis in Diaspora Condemn Police, Threaten ICC Action
Adding to the escalating tensions, the Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organization (GODO) issued a scathing condemnation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of bias in handling the political crisis in Rivers State. The group’s President, Chief Ambrose Kii, warned that the police’s alleged involvement in political violence and disrespect for Governor Fubara, the state’s chief security officer, could have dire consequences.
Kii threatened to drag the Inspector-General of Police before the International Criminal Court (ICC) if the police continued to side with political factions and exacerbate the violence. “We will not hesitate to pursue justice on the global stage if the people of Rivers State continue to be subjected to violence and intimidation,” Kii said.
A Pivotal Moment for Rivers State
As the political drama continues to unfold, Rivers State finds itself at a crossroads. The aftermath of the controversial local government elections is likely to shape the state’s political landscape for years to come. With legal battles looming and tensions simmering, the question remains: can Rivers State emerge from this period of uncertainty with a stronger, more resilient democracy, or will the conflicts deepen its divisions?
For now, the eyes of the nation are firmly on Rivers State as it grapples with the fallout from an election that has left its political factions more polarized than ever.
