Rivers LG Elections: Gov Fubara Declares Controversy Over, Warns Of Potential Violence Against Newly Sworn-in LGA Chairmen

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged newly elected local government chairpersons to adopt his governance approach, emphasizing patience and strategic action in their new roles.

The governor gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the elected local government chairmen, declaring the controversy surrounding the recent Rivers LGA elections effectively over.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) secured 22 LGAs, while the Action Alliance (AA) won one LGA in the election.

Fubara warned the chairpersons of potential violence and advised them to remain calm, citing plans to mobilize 20 people per unit to confront them.

“I’m aware that there are plans to mobilise 20 people per unit to confront you when you return to your local government headquarters,” he stated.

“If they come with violence, avoid them. The peace of this state is too important to us. Everyone knows what they are planning, but I urge you to follow my approach.”

He encouraged the officials to be patient, stating, “At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculative.” The elections were marred by gunshots, bomb explosions, and protests, with minimal police presence due to a court order restraining security agencies.

According to Vanguard report, the elections took place on Saturday amidst gunshots, bomb explosions, and protests in some parts of the state.

The development, which did not fall short of pre-election predictions, left many residents worried, especially as a result of minimal presence of the police across all polling areas.

The report says that irrespective of widespread fears of violence across 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs in Rivers, the turnout appeared substantial. In many areas monitored, the exercise kicked off early without the presence of the police following the supply of sensitive and non-sensitive materials by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,RSIEC.

The police had earlier said they were not providing security for the polls given a court order restraining them and other security agencies from providing security during the poll. A Federal High Court in Abuja had prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from releasing the 2023 voter register to RSIEC. It also stopped the Inspector-General of Police and Department of State Services, DSS, from providing security for the exercise.

The matter pitched the camp of Governor Siminalyi Fubara and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, against each other, thereby heightening tension in the state. However, RSIEC said it had received a copy of the voter register from INEC since last year.

Earlier, Wike’s supporters staged a protest in Port Harcourt, kicking against the election.