Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Southsouth Development Commission (SSDC), Chibudom Nwuche, has applauded the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the successful conduct of the local government elections in Rivers.

Describing the commission’s efforts as wonderful, Nwuche, who monitored the election as an observer, said the election was peaceful and credible across the 23 local government areas of the state.

He commended the people for coming out en masse to cast their votes and for maintaining decorum throughout the exercise, saying there was no report of violence or disturbances in any part of the state.

Nwuche, as an observer, visited many polling units in various communities across the state, especially in Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas.

He hailed the early arrival of materials at the various units and the timely commencement of accreditation and voting.

Nwuche appealed to persons who would emerge as chairmen and councilors to use their offices to ensure the development of their domains and to pursue the interests of the people.

He thanked the people for coming out en masse to cast their votes, saying he was surprised at the large turnout of voters, observing that some queues stretched over 100 meters.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring peace and order in Rivers through the declaration of a state of emergency at a point when Rivers was heading for crisis.

He said the Sole Administrator, Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, appointed by President Tinubu, had effectively managed the state by restoring peace and supervising one of the most credible LGA polls in recent times to restore democratic governance at the grassroots in the state.

Nwuche hailed the former Governor of the state and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for providing political leadership in the state.

He said Wike’s leadership had brought various political interests together in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, a unity he said would culminate in President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.

He said: “I saw the massive turnout of voters. They voted peacefully and the police did their jobs. Materials arrived on time. The crowd was incredible. I also went to Ahoada West and saw the crowd at the polling units.

“It was a free and fair election. I commend RSIEC for doing a wonderful job in a very short time. Public office is a trust. If you are lucky enough to be elected as a chairman of council, you must endeavour to deploy resources for the welfare of the people and not for your personal aggrandizement.”

Calling on the people to support Tinubu and Wike, he said: “The President met challenges on the ground and he is tackling them very credibly. Our son, the FCT Minister, left a good example in the state when he was here. He developed the state. He is also doing that at the FCT. Let us always look out for good men to vote for.”