· Jonathan urges caution
By Laraba MUREY
With uncertainty still heavy in the air following Saturday, October 5, 2024 local government election in Rivers state, national political actors have been speaking on the process.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday, called on the newly elected councils’ officials to prioritise the welfare of its citizens and shun tyranny.
Atiku said, “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.”
According to him, the people have shown resilience in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that Saturday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.
“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,” he averred
Lauding Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges, Atiku stressed that “ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process.”
Also, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Kenneth Minimah (retd), commended Fubara for the seamless conduct of the elections.
The ex-Army chief in a congratulatory message to the governor, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent on Sunday, commended the governor’s resolve in ensuring that the elections took place and described the outcome as a significant milestone for the state.
“I wish to praise Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the seamless conduct of the local government elections and his resolve in ensuring the elections took place.
“The outcome of the election is a significant milestone for the state. Fubara has been steering the ship, and I urge him to remain resolute in driving development.
“This development and the successful local government elections signify Governor Fubara’s administration’s commitment to the people at the grassroots.”
However, former President Goodluck Jonathan called on political actors, security agencies, and judiciary to avoid actions that could escalate the ongoing political tension in Rivers State.
In a statement shared on X, Jonathan expressed concern about the political situation in the state, urging all parties to prioritise peace and the stability of democracy.
“The political happenings in Rivers State over the past few days are a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation,” Jonathan said.
He mentioned that elections were the foundation of democracy and must be respected as a process that reinforced the trust of citizens in their government.
Jonathan stressed that each election, whether at the national or sub-national level, was vital to the integrity and progress of democracy.
“Institutions of the state, especially security agencies, must refrain from actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order. Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta, and a threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications for the region,” he cautioned.
He further urged political actors to exercise caution and be patriotic in their pursuit of political ambitions, warning that the crisis in Rivers State bore a resemblance to the political turmoil experienced in the Old Western Region during Nigeria’s past.
The former president also called on the National Judicial Council to take decisive action against the proliferation of conflicting court orders, particularly those involving concurrent jurisdictions.
According to him, unchecked judicial interference could damage the judiciary’s credibility and undermine democracy.
The Action Peoples Party, APP, won 22 of the 23 chairmanship seats, while the Action Alliance won one being Etche local government area with the APC and PDP divided on the polls.
