Rivers State Faces Continued Political Turmoil as LG Elections Spark Controversy

Rivers State remains enmeshed in political strife following local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The elections, held on Saturday, were executed under the direction of Governor Siminalayi Fubara despite resistance from supporters of former Governor Nyesom Wike, who had called for a boycott based on a Federal High Court ruling.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had previously determined that the RSIEC violated essential protocols by failing to provide the mandatory 90-day notice prior to the election. The judgment also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to the RSIEC and prohibited the deployment of security personnel for the elections.

Undeterred by the court’s decision, Governor Fubara pressed ahead, claiming the election would take place regardless. His stance triggered a backlash from various political factions, while some, including former vice president Atiku Abubakar, showed their support for Fubara’s actions.

Despite the legal disputes, RSIEC forged ahead, stating it was prepared for the elections and had access to the voter register contrary to INEC’s assertions. However, the polling was marred by violence, with armed groups disrupting the process in several locales.

Notable events included an attack on the APC secretariat in Port Harcourt, attributed to Wike’s supporters, and reports of gunfire in the Rumuepirikom community, deterring voter participation. The election ultimately concluded with the Action Peoples Party (APP) winning the chairmanship in 22 out of 23 local government areas, asserting Fubara’s regained influence over local political structures.

However, the APC vehemently refuted the legitimacy of the election, declaring it a farce and asserting their adherence to the Federal High Court ruling that deemed the election processes unlawful. The ongoing conflict highlights the deepening political rifts within Rivers State, leaving the resolution of its legislative and governance issues uncertain.

Wike, in a recent statement, openly challenged Fubara, questioning his political legitimacy and relevance, further complicating the already fragile situation in the state.