(Port Harcourt Socials)
By Chris Udochukwu
ABUJA FCT – Human rights activist, Comrade Shehu Sani has revealed that the Rivers political crisis is expensive for the Governor of Rivers State Sim Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike and the people of the state.
Senator Shehu Sani stated this against the backdrop of deepening political crisis in the state.
The Kaduna-born politician highlighted that everyday, money has to be spent to buy loyalists, to keep loyalists and to defend political territories. He described Rivers State as a state richly blessed with enormous wealth and endless troubles.
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA FCT – The Inspector General of Police Kayode Agbetokun has responded to the outburst of the Rivers State Governor, Siminaliri Fubara against Police Force, saying that Police in Rivers will strictly adhere to the federal court order by refraining from any direct involvement in the election process.
The response which was contained in the statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, For the Inspector General of Police, Force Headquarters, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi reads in full:
RIVERS ELECTIONS: NPF ACTIONS IN CONFORMITY WITH SUBSISTING COURT ORDER, REMAINS POLITICALLY NEUTRAL
The Nigeria Police Force has noted with concern the recent statements made by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, in which several unfounded allegations were leveled against the Office of the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force. In light of these claims, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
Firstly, it is important to clarify that there is a subsisting Federal High Court order barring the Nigeria Police Force from participating in the Rivers State elections. This order was duly served on both the NPF and the Rivers State Government. As a law-abiding institution, the IGP instructed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State to strictly adhere to this court order by refraining from any direct involvement in the election process.
However, in the evening of 3rd October,2024, The commissioner of police Rivers State, received reports that policemen from Rivers State Government house have been deployed to the office of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) to aid the conduct of the election. This report was also relayed to the Inspector-General of Police who gave clearance to the Commissioner of Police to withdraw the policemen from the Government house and replace with policemen from the Command Operations department. The mandate of the men from the Operations Department, was to provide overnight security for the RIEC to prevent any attack on the facility.
It is also important to note that prior to this, there had been series of security breaches in the state following the spate of court orders and counter orders and reactions to them by supporters of the different political parties involved. The response of the Command to secure RIEC overnight was therefore professional and supported by the Inspector-General of Police. For emphasis sake, the policemen deployed to RIEC from the operations department of Rivers State Command on the night of 3rd October,2024 were with the sole mandate to protect the RIEC office from attack overnight. This action was proactive and responsive to intelligence at the disposal of the State Command.
It is therefore shocking to see the state governor storming the RIEC office at night, wrongly accusing the police on lawful duties, deriding the Police institution and using unprintable words to describe the Inspector-General of Police. The Nigeria Police takes exception to the unwarranted outburst of the Governor and particularly the weighty accusations which he falsely levied against the Inspector-General of Police and the entire Nigeria Police Force and advise caution and decency in the pursuit of individual political goals.
Threatening to shed blood and to burn down the State because of a Local Government election is not acceptable to us. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to protection of lives and properties and will work with other security agencies in Rivers State to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the State. To this end, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered increased deployment into Rivers State to beef up security throughout the state. Citizens of Rivers state are advised to go about their lawful businesses.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
4TH OCTOBER, 2024.
By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA FCT – Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the February 25, 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar on Saturday commended Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his courageous leadership in ensuring local government elections are held in Rivers State.
The former Vice President reminded that the local government elections in Rivers State tomorrow stand as a beacon of hope, offering renewed vigour to constitutional democracy at the very core of governance. Stressing that these elections present an opportunity to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, breathing life into the foundational principles of our republic.
“Undoubtedly, this election resounds as a powerful affirmation of constitutionalism and the rule of law, a cause that should rally the support of all true champions of democracy. It is a call to every believer in the democratic process to stand firm in defence of the people’s right to choose their leaders freely and fairly.”
Atiku also encourage every resident of Rivers state to embrace their civic duty with peace and purpose as they cast their votes, selecting those who will lead at the grassroots level.
“It is my unwavering conviction that the democratic process is sacred, and through it, the people must be empowered to shape their future by choosing their leaders in every local community,” Atiku added.
By Douglas Dagogo
As the political landscape of Rivers State gears up for another electoral cycle, the stakes have never been higher. With whispers of desperation among some politicians, the onus falls squarely on the shoulders of the state governor to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. The current atmosphere is fraught with tension, as allegations of attempted bribery and manipulation loom over the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC).
The RIEC, tasked with overseeing free and fair elections, is under unprecedented pressure. Recent reports indicate that certain political factions are actively seeking to undermine the commission’s autonomy, leveraging financial incentives to influence key figures, including the chairman. The fear is palpable: if these individuals are swayed, the very foundation of democratic governance in Rivers State could be jeopardized.
The governor’s vigilance is paramount. Historically, elections in Nigeria have been marred by corruption and malpractice, and Rivers State is no exception. With the experience of previous electoral cycles fresh in mind, the governor must adopt a proactive approach. This involves not only reinforcing the integrity of the RIEC but also ensuring that its leadership remains insulated from external pressures.
Engagement with civil society groups is crucial. By fostering transparency and accountability, the governor can create an environment that discourages illicit influences. Collaborating with watchdog organizations can enhance public scrutiny, ensuring that any attempts to undermine the electoral process are met with widespread condemnation.
Moreover, the governor should promote education and awareness campaigns, empowering citizens to recognize and report any signs of electoral malfeasance. An informed electorate is the best defense against corruption; when the public is aware of their rights and the electoral process, it becomes significantly harder for desperate politicians to operate in the shadows.
Building a coalition among stakeholders—political parties, civil society, and community leaders—will also be essential. A united front can strengthen the resolve of the RIEC, reinforcing its commitment to conducting fair elections. The governor’s role as a mediator and facilitator can help bridge divides and foster a collective commitment to upholding democratic principles.
In the face of potential chaos, the governor’s leadership must embody integrity and resolve. By openly denouncing any attempts at coercion or bribery, the governor can set a precedent that reinforces the values of democracy. His commitment to ensuring that the electoral process remains untarnished will resonate with the electorate, restoring faith in governance.
As Rivers State approaches this pivotal moment in its political journey, the call for vigilance is clear. The governor must not lose guard against the machinations of desperate politicians who would stop at nothing to seize power. By prioritizing the sanctity of the electoral process, he can ensure that the voice of the people is not drowned out by greed and ambition, but rather celebrated as the cornerstone of democracy. In doing so, he will not only safeguard the future of Rivers State but also strengthen the very fabric of Nigeria’s democratic system.
