The factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State expressed their disapproval of the local government election held on Saturday, asserting that no legitimate election took place in the state.
The PDP faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, characterized the election as a futile endeavor and pledged to contest the results in court.
This statement came as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, officiated the swearing-in of the newly elected chairpersons for the 23 local government areas. The ceremony took place on Sunday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt, shortly after the chairpersons received their certificates of return from Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The local government election on Saturday was marred by incidents of explosions and gunfire, resulting in the Action Peoples Party (APP) winning 22 out of the 23 chairmanship positions, while a candidate from the Action Alliance secured one position. Additionally, the APP claimed 314 of the 319 available councillorship seats across the 23 local government areas.
The election was further complicated by the ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. Following the loss of control over the PDP to Wike, Fubara's supporters transitioned to the APP, thereby obtaining chairmanship roles in their respective local government areas.
In response to the election results, Kenneth Yowika, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, stated that the party intends to challenge the election's conduct in court. He emphasized, "We are pursuing legal action to ensure that justice is achieved and perceived. Therefore, we do not acknowledge or accept any swearing-in occurring today (Sunday) or tomorrow (Monday)."
Yowika reiterated that the ruling party had consistently referenced a Federal High Court ruling that prohibited the local council elections, asserting that the actions taken by the state government were unlawful.
Yowika stated that all matters related to the issue at hand are illegal. He emphasized that it has been clearly articulated that elections should not proceed, referencing the Federal High Court ruling issued by Justice Peter Lifu.
He previously asserted that any actions taken regarding local government matters would be in vain, as a nation committed to the rule of law should not engage in activities that contradict legal principles.
The law stipulates that actions must align with the Federal High Court's judgment, which the current government has failed to adhere to.
As a party that respects the law, we will not resort to physical confrontations. Our protest yesterday (Saturday) unequivocally demonstrated that no election took place.
We maintain our position that no election occurred and await the judiciary and other governmental bodies to rectify the situation. We firmly uphold that there was no election.
Furthermore, he mentioned that a visit to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission yesterday made it evident to the world that no election transpired there. We uphold the Federal High Court's ruling that prohibited the election from occurring.
Despite the government's actions, which he described as a charade, the Peoples Democratic Party finds such conduct unacceptable. As previously stated, we are a law-abiding party and will continue to uphold that principle.
In a similar vein, Chibuike Ikenga, Publicity Secretary of the Chief Tony Okocha-led APC, reiterated the importance of the Federal High Court ruling that barred the state government from conducting the election.
Ikenga remarked that the swearing-in of the election victors is inconsequential, asserting that the party will continue to pursue legal avenues.
The party firmly asserts its commitment to adhering to the rulings of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu. This stance underpins our refusal to acknowledge the occurrence of any election. The government, known for its disregard for court orders, proceeded regardless, thus placing itself in a position of isolation.
Our assertion is that one cannot establish a foundation on nothing and expect it to endure. Consequently, whether any individual has been sworn in is of secondary importance; we remain uninformed and uninterested in whether such an event is occurring today (Sunday) or tomorrow (Monday).
We are actively pursuing further legal action to ensure that justice is not only achieved but also perceived to have been achieved. Therefore, we neither concur with nor recognize any swearing-in ceremony taking place today or tomorrow, as stated.
When inquired about the party's potential return to court in light of recent developments, he responded, "The state government has already escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal, where a request for a stay was submitted and subsequently denied. Thus, the case remains active in the Court of Appeal."
In contrast, the APC, aligned with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, expressed contentment with the election results, indicating that it would not challenge the outcome. Chizi Enyi, Chief of Staff to APC Chairman Emeka Beke, noted that the party did not suffer a loss, having secured a councillor position.
"The APC successfully won the council seat. We are pleased with the election results. Our primary concern was regarding those who opposed the election's conduct. Therefore, we accept the outcome and will refrain from pursuing litigation," he stated.
Additionally, Sydney Gbara, the Rivers State Commissioner for Environment and former Publicity Secretary of the PDP, conveyed his approval of the election, characterizing it as the most transparent and fair election in the state's history.
Gbara expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I can confidently say that this election is the most free, fair, and peaceful that has ever taken place in Rivers State. What stands out the most is the absence of police presence, yet the atmosphere remained calm and orderly. This aspect of the election is particularly noteworthy.
“This election has seen the highest level of participation from the people of Rivers, as they understand that their future hinges on the outcome of yesterday’s vote.”
When questioned about his enthusiasm despite his party not securing any positions, he emphasized that the welfare of the state is of utmost importance.
Gbara remarked, “It is regrettable that my party chose to withdraw from the race, but as a resident of Rivers, the well-being of the state takes precedence over any personal, individual, or group interests.
“For me, this marks a moment of liberation for the people of Rivers, and it is a day we have long anticipated.”
In addressing the newly elected officials, Fubara noted that the state has now embarked on a transformative journey where democracy will flourish, and the populace will experience the benefits of democratic governance that align with their hopes and needs.
He expressed his gratitude for the support of the people of Rivers in the effort to restore the local government system, which he described as being on the brink of collapse due to the actions of certain disruptive political entities seeking control.
He pointed out that the pressure to undermine the local government system intensified three days prior to the election, highlighted by an attempted incursion at the RSIEC Headquarters.
The governor stated, “However, it is essential to acknowledge that desperate circumstances necessitate decisive actions. We faced a scenario where the local governments in this state were on the verge of disaster.”
The reality is that our profound affection for this state compels us to protect the integrity of the local government election. With the backing of the people of Rivers, we successfully preserved the local government council, and, by the grace of God, this task has been accomplished.
Fubara stated that now that the elections have concluded, his administration will refrain from engaging in undemocratic actions against anyone. Instead, he committed to utilizing peaceful methods to safeguard the state's resources.
He further assured the Federal Government that his administration would not participate in any activities that could lead to a disruption of law and order within the state. He emphasized the understanding that any such breakdown would adversely affect Nigeria as a whole, and thus, his administration would not contribute to such circumstances. This commitment reflects the high standards of maturity that he upholds.
Governor Fubara urged the newly appointed chairmen to maintain a strong connection with the constituents in their respective council areas. He encouraged them to adopt his peaceful approach by exercising patience and resolving conflicts amicably.
He remarked, "To the newly sworn-in chairmen, I urge you to view your roles as those of servants. The moment you perceive yourselves as rulers, problems will arise. If you consider yourselves all-knowing due to the financial resources at your disposal, that is when crises will emerge.
"Instead, regard this opportunity as a call to serve. It is a chance to unite the community and deliver progress to the people of Rivers State. Development is essential across all 23 local government areas."
The governor acknowledged that his administration has made strides in providing critical infrastructure and fostering development, yet he recognized that further efforts are necessary.
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