LG polls: Fubara’s detractors are enemies of state, say Rivers elders

Political leaders and elder statesmen in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his doggedness and strong efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of the October 5, 2024, Local Government elections in the state.

They have also assured the governor of God’s continuous guidance and protection as he strives to deliver democratic dividends to Rivers people, despite distractions intended to slow down his pace.

They made their position known when they paid a solidarity visit to the state governor at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The leaders include former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia; former Deputy Governor Engr Tele Ikuru; Senator Lee Maeba; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sir Austin Opara; former Minister of Transport Dr Abiye Sekibo; and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Prince Uche Secondus.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Omehia said, “We are leaders and elders of this great state, Rivers State. We are here to encourage the Governor of the State, who is also the leader, as of right, for what he has done and put in place for the conduct of the local government elections coming up tomorrow, Saturday, 5th October, 2024. Thank God for who he is and what he has been doing for the people of Rivers State.

“We ask him that despite every other effort trying to slow down his pace, God only will give him the courage to continue.”

Omehia noted that the election is the exercise of the fundamental right of the people, saying the Supreme Court ruling has bestowed on Governor Fubara, like his counterparts in other states, the responsibility to conduct the local government election.

He, therefore, urged Rivers people, including those living and doing business in the State, to participate in the polls and exercise their civil rights.

He said, “The election is the exercise of the fundamental right of the people, and every person in Rivers State has the right to go and vote and express his or her right.

“The court, especially the Supreme Court decision, empowered him, like any other governor in Nigeria, to conduct the local government election, and the local government election is local. It is the responsibility of the State Governor and the responsibility of all other well-meaning people of Rivers State to conduct this election.

“We are asking that every indigene of Rivers State and all those who live and do business in Rivers State should come out in their large numbers tomorrow in full support of democracy and vote for the success of the local government election.”

The former Governor said those who do not want peace in the State and want the local government election postponed are the real enemies of the State and should be publicly declared as such.

He stressed the need for the State to be allowed to grow in unity so that the love that had existed among the people since the creation of the state would continue to flourish, as it would be the delight of past leaders of the State to see that peace, unity, and development continue to thrive in the State.

He said, “Those who don’t want peace in Rivers State are those who should be declared the enemies of Rivers State. Those who want the election to be postponed tomorrow are declared enemies of Rivers State.

“Rivers State must grow; the unity and love since Rivers State was created in 1967. We are interested in exercising the democratic principles; we have always had peace. And it will be the happiness of all those—Alfred Diette-Spiff, Rufus Ada-George, Dr Peter Odili, and all of us who have managed the affairs of this State—to see that peace, unity, and further development continue to grow in Rivers State.

“If any person thinks otherwise, those people are the enemies of Rivers State.”