The Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress factions on Sunday rejected the conduct and outcome of the local government election, stating that no election was held in the state on Saturday.

The Rivers PDP loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, described the poll as “an exercise in futility,” vowing to challenge it in court.

This came as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, swore in the newly elected council chairmen of the 23 local government areas of the state.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Sunday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, shortly after the chairmen received certificates of return from the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Adolphus Enebeli.

Saturday’s council election, which saw instances of explosions and gunfire, was won largely by the Action Peoples Party, which secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, with the Action Alliance winning one seat.

The APP also took 314 of the 319 councillorship seats in the 23 local government areas.

The election’s results were shaped by the political power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.

After losing control of the PDP to Wike, Fubara’s supporters turned to the APP, securing positions in their local government areas.

• PDP Challenges Poll

In an interview with The PUNCH, Rivers PDP Publicity Secretary, Kenneth Yowika, reaffirmed the party’s stance to challenge the election in court. He emphasized that the ruling party in the state had long insisted on the Federal High Court judgment, which barred the conduct of the election, describing the government’s actions as illegal.

Yowika said, “We are pressing further through the courts to ensure that justice is done and seen to have been done… We stand by the ruling of the Federal High Court which said that election should not go on.”

Similarly, Chibuike Ikenga, Publicity Secretary of the APC faction led by Chief Tony Okocha, also upheld the Federal High Court judgment, criticizing the state government’s decision to go ahead with the poll despite the court ruling.

Ikenga said, “As a party, we insist on obeying the decisions of the Federal High Court under Justice Peter Lifu… Our position is that you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand.”

The APC faction loyal to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, however, expressed satisfaction with the election, noting that the party would not contest the outcome.

Chizi Enyi, Chief of Staff to the APC Chairman, Emeka Beke, said the party “won the council slot” and was pleased with the election results.

Sydney Gbara, Rivers State Commissioner for Environment and former PDP Publicity Secretary, echoed this sentiment, describing the election as “the freest and fairest” in the state’s history, noting the peaceful atmosphere despite the absence of police security.

• Governor Fubara Admonishes Chairmen

Speaking to the newly sworn-in chairmen, Fubara emphasized the importance of humility and service, urging them to be “servants” rather than “emperors.” He reminded them that leadership is about bringing people together and working for the development of the state’s 23 local government areas.

Fubara warned them against greed and the misuse of power, adding that his administration would monitor the activities of the local governments closely to ensure accountability and progress.

He further expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and commended Rivers residents for their resilience during the election process.

• Election Results and Reactions

Justice Adolphus Enebeli, RSIEC Chairman, presented the certificates of return to the elected chairmen and vice-chairmen, emphasizing the power of the ballot over violence, stating that “the ballot paper in the hands of the people is stronger than arms and ammunition.”

In total, the APP secured 314 out of the 319 councillorship seats, while the APC, Boot Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, and Young People’s Party won the remaining five.

In a congratulatory message, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, praised Fubara and the people of Rivers State for rejecting “the machinations of self-serving godfathers” and urged the newly elected chairmen to focus on residents’ welfare.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Kenneth Minimah (retd), also commended the election process, calling it a “significant milestone” for the state. He urged politicians to prioritize the welfare of the people.

Meanwhile, the Ogonis in the Diaspora, under the aegis of Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, condemned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his handling of the political crisis in the state, calling for his resignation and threatening to take him to the International Criminal Court if the situation persists.

Credit: The Punch