…Elders pay solidarity visit to Fubara
The Action People’s Party (APP) has emerged victorious in the Rivers State Local Government elections, defeating candidates from other political parties.
Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Chairman declared 22 out of 23 APP Chairmanship Candidate Elect, Etche Chairmanship candidate winner, to be announced later.
According to election results monitored by APP agents, the Party’s candidates gained an early lead and secured wins in several announced results.
Despite initial concerns about the possibility of election-related violence, the polls were largely peaceful, with only isolated incidents of unrest involving outsiders reportedly brought in by some political leaders.
Most voters, alongside officers of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local vigilance groups, worked together to ensure the safety of the election process. Election officials and security personnel, including the NSCDC, ensured that voting proceeded calmly, even in areas where police presence was lacking.
In some areas, voting started later than expected due to delayed arrival of officials from the State Independent Electoral Commission, but in the majority of polling units, voting proceeded smoothly.
In the Mile-3 area of Diobu, Port Harcourt City local government area (PHALGA), voting began early and was completed without issue. At Unit 30, Ward 10, Npkolu Oroworukwo Town Hall, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, was among those who cast their votes shortly after accreditation.
In Obio/Akpor LGA, the home base of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accreditation also commenced early in most polling units, with APP winning over both the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
Despite a heavy downpour in Abua/Odual local government area, voters turned out in large numbers, continuing with the voting process even as the rain persisted for nearly two hours. The Caretaker Committee chairman of Abua/Odual LGA, Comrade Madighi Dickson, expressed surprise at the high voter turnout, describing it as ‘amazing’.
Similarly, Pastor GoodLife Idionku-Ben, Acting Chairman of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, who voted at Okoboh Ward 5, Unit 2, commended the peaceful atmosphere at the polling stations despite the absence of police officers. Officers from the NSCDC were on the ground to support local vigilance groups in maintaining security in several wards across Abua/Odual.
In a related development, Rivers State political leaders and elders paid a solidarity visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt. They commended the governor for his leadership and efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the October 5, 2024, Local Government elections.
The delegation, which included former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor Engr. Tele Ikuru, Senator Lee Maeba, and others, expressed their support for Fubara and urged residents of Rivers to participate actively in the democratic process.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Sir Celestine Omehia emphasised the importance of elections as a fundamental right of the people. He encouraged all residents of Rivers, including those conducting business in the State, to exercise their civil rights and participate in the elections. Omehia also condemned those seeking to disrupt the election, labeling them as enemies of the state.
He affirmed the commitment of Rivers leaders to maintaining peace, unity, and development, urging all citizens to support democracy and the growth of the State.
