The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the state Independent Electoral Commission have been urged not to allow the forthcoming local government election in the state to be rigged if they really want peace in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Chairman of the Defence For Human Rights And Democracy, Clifford Christopher Solomon who made this known to our correspondent said PDP and APC pulled out of the race because the duo knew they couldn’t manipulate the results of the October 5 LG election.
According to the group: “This is politics and politics is a game of interest. It is quite unfortunate that those who clamored for the local government election in Rivers State are the ones trying to pull out of the contest. That tells them the narrative has changed in the sense that they can no longer contend with the real grassroots.
“I think it is no longer business as usual and it shouldn’t be business as usual where some persons will stay in the comfort of Government House to write election results.
“So, PDP and APC backing out of this election will give room for others who are truly trusted and tested by their people to contest. So, it is a welcome development that PDP and APC who have held us hostage over the years are pulling out and are giving room for a true election to take place come October 5, 2024.
“The level of awareness and sensitization carried out over the years by patriotic citizens have made the people realize the capabilities of anyone contesting elections whether at the national, state, or local level.
“We don’t want a situation where election results will be written in Government House and be handed over to RSIEC because we will resist such.
“But more importantly, I want to seize this opportunity to charge the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara not to compromise the credibility of this election. I also want to call on Justice Adolphus Enebell (rtd) who is heading RSIEC to affirm his credibility and the good name he made over the years as a refined jurist.
“And that with him as RSIEC chairman, votes will count and the true winners of the election be declared winners and not manipulate the system to favor cronies.
“On good authority, we learned that some persons are trying to hijack the election in favor of APP and that is not what Rivers people want. And let me warn you that if they want peace, in Rivers State. they should conduct a free, fair, credible, and acceptable election where the people will be satisfied. That is the kind of election we want in Rivers State.”