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Tag: Siminalayi Fubara

  • Rivers elders back Gov Fubara amidst political tensions

    Rivers elders back Gov Fubara amidst political tensions

    The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum (RIVLEF) has declared its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst the escalating political tensions in the State.

    RIVLEF Chairman, Chief Rufus Ada-George, announced the forum’s position during a news conference on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

    Ada-George praised Fubara for demonstrating courage and maintaining a peaceful stance despite unwarranted provocations by certain politicians in Rivers.

    “We commend Fubara for his courage and determination in standing firm and resolute in defending the interests of the people of Rivers state.

    “The governor, his team and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) have been bold in upholding democracy and democratic values.’’

    Ada-George, a former governor of Rivers, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his interventions aimed at reducing political tensions in the state.

    He, however, criticised the president for allegedly failing to admonish the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his role in the crises.

    “President Tinubu has called for peace and advised aggrieved political parties and individuals dissatisfied with the outcome of the local government elections to seek redress through the courts.

    “However, the failure to mention Wike, a key figure in the political crises, sends the wrong signal.’’

    The chairman remarked that the battle for political structures and influence in the state was over, as the people had made their choices in the recently concluded local government elections.

    He noted that the people were the true custodians of political structures and urged dissenting voices to remain silent.

    “The people of Rivers have now restructured and any resort to violence and arson will not benefit us.

    “Therefore, we call on the police to promptly implement President Tinubu’s directive to secure local government offices, maintain law and order and protect lives and property,” he advised.

    Ada-George further commended residents of the state for their active participation and peaceful conduct during the elections.

    Dr Gariel Toby, a former Deputy Governor in Rivers, expressed confidence in the policy’s ability to maintain peace in the state.

    He reaffirmed the forum’s trust in the law enforcement agencies’ ability to carry out their duties despite concerns over police partisan actions prior to the elections.

    The forum’s membership includes prominent national figures such as retired Rear Adm. Ochegomie Fingesi, former member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council.

    Others are retired Group Capt. John Kalio, former Military Administrator of Yobe, Sen. Andrew Uchendu, foremost environmental and rights activist, Annkio Briggs, and Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, among others.

  • Rivers Assembly confirms new commissioners appointed by Gov Fubara

    Rivers Assembly confirms new commissioners appointed by Gov Fubara

    The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday, screened and confirmed four Commissioner nominees presented by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The commissioner nominees include Dr Israel Ngbuelu, Mr Evans Bipi, Mr Otamiri Ngubo and Mr Benebo Anabraba.

    Speaker of the House, Mr Victor Oko-Jumbo, announced during plenary that the governor forwarded a letter containing four names for screening and confirmation.

    The House Leader, Mr Sokari Good-boy, said that three of the nominees were former members of the house, “who served diligently during their tenure” as lawmakers.

    He, therefore, urged his colleagues to allow the trio to take a bow and go. The House, however, screened the fourth nominee before confirming all of them.

    The Speaker later announced their confirmation and advised them to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the development of the State.

  • Rivers State: Bode George sends strong message to Wike

    Rivers State: Bode George sends strong message to Wike

    A former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George has advised the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to ceasefire and allow Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to work for the people of the State.

    George made this appeal in a statement on Monday in Lagos, following the latest crisis in the state as a result of the local government election.

    George, a PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) member, also called on President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, the immediate past Rivers governor. to make efforts towards ending the political tension in the state.

    He said that this had become imperative now that people of Rivers had boldly asserted their  civic and constitutional rights by coming out  to vote in the Saturday’s Local Government election.

    “This is the time for former governor of the state and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allow Gov. Siminalayi Fubara to work and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

    “This is also the time for President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, who is one of his ministers, to allow the governor to work.

    “I say this with all sense of responsibility because if this democracy is truncated, God forbid,  Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, will be the biggest loser,” George said.

    According to him, all lovers of democracy know that if the  political happenings  in Rivers  could  lead to the re-enactment of the crisis in the defunct Western Region between 1962 and 1966,if allowed to continue.

    He said the crisis eventually led to the first military coup of Jan. 15, 1966.

    The PDP chieftain recalled how some national figures were killed and how the crisis led to a second coup on July 29, 1966, which also claimed the lives of many military officers.

    “Since history is no longer taught in our schools, I want to remind the gladiators in this Rivers crisis that the January and July 1966 killings eventually led to the civil war between July 6, 1967 and Jan.15, 1970.

    “Close to two million Nigerians died in the war. I am raising this alarm because what is happening in Rivers now  is a cause for serious concern for everyone.

    “My understanding of this man-made crisis  is that there is a despotic, divisive, wicked and anti-people design to create a conflagration which may eventually consume our country.

    “We all know the economic importance of Rivers to the survival of this nation. It is the gateway to the Niger Delta.

    “Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but West Africa and Africa,” he said.

    According to him, it is good to have political ambition, but this ambition must not be at variance with the expectations of the people.

    He said that some analysts had linked the happenings in Rivers to 2027 elections’ calculations.

    George added: “I believe it is too early to start strategising for a partisan event which is still close to 28 months away.

    “One thing is clear: Nyesom Wike was governor of the state for eight years. He left the Government House in May last year and today, he is the FCT Minister.

    “Sir Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi were governors before him. Now that Governor Fubara is the Chief Executive of the state, he should be allowed to work. Nobody stays in office forever.

    “By 2027, people of Rivers will decide, through their votes, if they want him to return to office or not. This is how political issues and ambitions are handled in civilised climes.”

    He said that the way the partisan crisis was going, if not checked, might collapse Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Now that council chairmen and councillors have been elected, I appeal to Nyesom Wike to please give peace a chance. Tinubu must also call Wike and tell him to allow the governor to work.

    “I am appealing to Wike to please let this crisis be a thing of the past. The democracy we enjoy today, many people suffered to bring it to fruition. Some even died.

    “We should not be seen to be dancing on their graves because of partisan interests. Only God knows what will happen in 2027 because He is greater, wiser and more powerful than all of us.”

    He advised the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to call some judicial officers to order over conflicting court orders.

    “Once again, I am appealing to Wike to look at the larger interests in this crisis. He should not allow himself to be used and dumped by the APC.

    “The political storm in Rivers must disappear immediately, in the interest of all Nigerians,” he said.

    There have been lingering political crisis in the state,emanating from the frictions between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.

  • What Fubara did with Rivers LG election is auspicious, creative – Bauchi Gov

    What Fubara did with Rivers LG election is auspicious, creative – Bauchi Gov

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers as a true democrat, even as he commended the ‘successful’ conduct of Saturday’s local government elections in the State.

    Muhammed, also the Chairman, Governors’ Forum of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stated this in a statement issued by Fubara’s Press Secretary, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Port Harcourt.

    He affirmed Rivers as a PDP state, notwithstanding the fact that the 23 newly-elected local government chairmen and councillors, who were sworn-in on Sunday, were not only from the party.

    The governor also commended his Rivers counterpart for being proactive in the delivery of good governance at the local government level, irrespective of party allegiance or consideration.

    “He didn’t have a structure of the PDP in the state for certain reasons and he had to go out to make sure that he allowed other parties to participate within the political space so that there won’t be any vacuum.

    “I think this is auspicious and creative, and I am very proud of him. Yes, we have lost as a party, and that is why we want to run away from this,” he said.

    Muhammed also assured of possible reconciliation of the current crisis bedevilling PDP so as to achieve the desired unity within the party.

    Meanwhile, speaking to the press after attending the swearing-in ceremony of 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State, the Bauchi State Governor expressed admiration for Governor Fubara’s proactive leadership.

    “As the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, I commend Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his unwavering dedication to strengthening democracy through inclusive governance.

    “Speaking to the press after attending the swearing-in ceremony of 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State, I expressed my admiration for Governor Fubara’s proactive leadership. His ability to navigate complex political challenges with strategic insight has allowed officials from various political parties to serve at the local level, reflecting a commitment to governance that transcends partisan lines.

    “Even though the PDP has lost control in some regions, Governor Fubara remains a loyal member of our party, and his democratic principles are widely recognized. His approach, which ensures governance without political barriers, serves as an exemplary model for other governors.

    “Drawing from my own experiences in Bauchi, where I have faced similar political challenges, I applaud Fubara’s ability to lead effectively despite the complexities he faces. His leadership demonstrates how to navigate difficult political terrain while prioritizing the greater good.

    “Furthermore, I reaffirm the unwavering support of the PDP Governors’ Forum for Governor Fubara.

    “In conclusion, I am confident that our efforts toward party unity and reconciliation will bear fruit. The PDP Governors’ Forum stands firmly behind Governor Fubara as we continue to support his leadership and the values he upholds,” Muhammed wrote via his official Facebook page.

  • Atiku hails Fubara over Rivers controversial LG elections

    Atiku hails Fubara over Rivers controversial LG elections

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has applauded Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the Saturday’s local government election in the state.

    Although the the Federal High Court had ordered that election should not take place, the Rivers State Electoral Commission went ahead to conduct it and most of the positions were won by the All Peoples Party which many of Fubara’s loyalists had defected to.·

    In his reaction to the successful holding of the controversial election, Atiku said: “With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the State.

    “From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy.

    “As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.

    “As I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government leaders, I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour and shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours.

    “Moreover, I commend the resilient people of Rivers State for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.

    “I must also applaud Governor Fubara, @SimFubaraKSC for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.

    “In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process”.

  • Video: Fubara officially swears In new Rivers LG chairmen

    Video: Fubara officially swears In new Rivers LG chairmen

    The Governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara on Sunday officially swore in the newly elected chairmen of the 23 local government areas.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    Twenty two chairmen of the Action Peoples Party (APP) and one of the Action Alliance were inaugurated into office following their victories in the recent Local Government Council elections held on Saturday.

    The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Saturday declared the APP as the dominant party, securing victories in 22 local government areas, while the Action Alliance claimed one chairmanship seat.

    Addressing to the newly sworn-in chairmen, Fubara urged them to prioritize their campaign promises, after which, emphasized the need to improve the welfare of their local communities as they assume their new responsibilities.

    The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who came to show his support for the newly elected officials.

    Watch video below;

     

  • BREAKING: Drama as police attempt to break into RSIEC office in Rivers State

    BREAKING: Drama as police attempt to break into RSIEC office in Rivers State

    Drama ensued at the Aba Road office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt at about at 1 am on Friday, 4th October, 2024, when some police officers attempted to break into the RSIEC office.

    Assisted by a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly (NASS) and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders, the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara said he foiled the attempt by the police to take over the RSIEC office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Fubara to have alleged the incident was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) with the policemen said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of RSIEC, reportedly to cart away sensitive electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.

    “The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police. However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.

    “The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility,” a statement by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor reads.

    Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, Fubara condemned the conduct of the  policemen, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.

    He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.

    He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit to conduct its affairs without interference.

    “At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogue policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday,” the statement added.

  • Nothing can stop Rivers LG election – Gov Fubara

    Nothing can stop Rivers LG election – Gov Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration is determined to support the cause of developing a sustainable democracy, and will therefore, not tolerate any misguided group or individual attempting to create confusion or any form of instability in the State.

    The Governor also urged every registered voter and leaders of political groups to ensure they are at their polling units on Saturday, 5th day of October, 2024, to participate in the process that will usher in new political leadership in the 23 Local Government Councils.

    Governor Fubara gave the charge while addressing Rivers Political Stakeholders who converged at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, preparatory for the October 5th Local Government election.

    The Governor said the meeting was convened to give the political class and the generality of the electorate in the State the needed assurances of the support of the State Government to the electoral process as it gravitates towards its climax.

    Governor Fubara stated that the meeting was made open to the public and the media because it is time to strengthen the message across to the people on the importance of the election to the sustainability of democracy in the State.

    The Governor emphasised that the position and resolve of the State Government on the forthcoming election is clear, adding that it will be conducted and concluded.

    Governor Fubara said: “First, I want to thank everyone of you for being very peaceful. You see, I didn’t make any mistake when I said, we need to follow this struggle with a different tactics.

    “If you have very special egg that you are carrying, and somebody is coming to fight you, do you need to fight the person? Won’t you use your two hands to grab the basket of the egg? Even if the person is chasing you, if you run and hit your foot and the basket of egg falls, who is going to lose, is it not you? You can see why we are very careful, and we are following this course with AI.

    “Secondly, I want to assure you that the Local Government election is about the State. I might not be a lawyer but at least, I understand that it is a State matter.

    “And, thirdly, from the beginning of this process to the end is within the purview of the State. It has nothing to do with any federal judicial institution to disrupt it. So, we should understand this fact and play according to the rule.”

    The Governor wondered why some self-serving people are bent on hatching their plot to derail the course of the election when states that have no duly elected Local Government Councils across the country are endeavouring to do so in order not to run foul of the Supreme Court ruling.

    He said: “10 States of the federation have conducted elections with 2023 voter register. I don’t know why things of Rivers State are always different. Is it that when it comes to the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where it concerns Rivers State, it’s a different thing?

    “Anyway, today, we are here to assure you that as a government, we are prepared to support the electoral body to conduct a free, fair and credible election for the peace-loving people Rivers State.”

    Governor Fubara revealed how his insistence on peace, and determination to follow the electorial process through had unsettled some persons.

    Those so unsettled, he said, have resorted to protesting on the streets to attract public sympathy, something they had mocked in the past, which indicates, that he and his team have truly won over the detractors.

    Governor Fubara alluded that some of those on the streets are  people they hired either from places like Obinze-Ngwa, boundary towns between Imo and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government, and Akwa Ibom, who they brought into the city to protest.

    The Governor emphasised that no matter the guise or level of ‘aluta continua’ posture that the detractors adopt, the Local Government election will go on.

    He added, “Our AI pattern of doing things has even made people to turn to the chant of aluta. There was a time, when they told the public that they can’t protest.

    “Look at some of them, they are now behaving like members of labour unions, protesting like students. They have turned to aluta professions. Going by the analysis that they posed then, we can say, there are every signal that they have failed.

    “So, if today, this same persons have resolved to aluta pattern, it means that we have also won. So, we need to be very careful and follow this course with tact.”

    Governor Fubara insisted that the Local Government election will have only those resident in the State who are registered voters participating.

    He said: “Go, do what the law says you should do, as demanded by the RSIEC Law, and leave the rest. RSIEC will take it from there, and when RSIEC finishes its part, the State Government will also take it from that point and finish its part, and the process will all be consummated by the special grace of God in a few days coming.”

    Governor Fubara also said: “You know this election, I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating. It is the truth!

    “But because of the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of local governments, as a Governor, I have to obey that.

    “It did not end there. The President, after the Supreme Court ruling, invited us and we had an understanding that we have a compliance duration of 90 days. So, what we are doing here is to make sure that even if my party is not participating, the local council process must stand for Rivers State.

    “And a good number of you here are my party faithful and you are not even benefiting from it, and you are here supporting us. So, what is the problem?

    “So, I want to thank you for supporting democracy. I want to thank you for ensuring that there is rule of law. I want to thank you for sticking your neck out to make sure that Rivers State still stands among the comity of States.”

    Governor Fubara appealed to everyone to return to their various LGAs, follow the process, be law abiding, and eschew violence.

    He also expressed appreciation to some leaders, who he described as very respectable and have name of honour because they can see the truth and stand by it boldly, as true patriots of the State.

    He added, “I want to thank you for standing with us and assure you that with your strength, we will continue to stand with the flag, and we will not let the flag of Rivers State down by any means.

    “So, let me conclude by assuring you again, don’t allow anybody, don’t allow any propaganda, don’t allow any aluta movement, and don’t allow any story from the pit of hell to deter your spirit at this point.

    “I am really happy that everyone is in high spirit. Be assured that the government will do everything to make sure that Rivers State is not put in any state of confusion,” he added.

  • BREAKING: Fubara declares 2-day public holiday ahead LG polls

    BREAKING: Fubara declares 2-day public holiday ahead LG polls

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has declared Thursday and Friday, the 3rd and 4th of October 2024 as public holidays ahead of election set to hold across 23 local government areas in the State.

    Governor Fubara, who made this known in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, disclosed that the 2-day public holiday is to enable citizens to travel to their respective communities and participate in the forthcoming local government election.

    The Governor also placed a total restriction on vehicular and human movements into, within, and out of the State, and the local government areas, from midnight of Friday 4th October 2024 to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 5th October 2024, except for persons and vehicles with valid identifications who are on election and other essential duties.

    The text of the broadcast reads: “My dear people of Rivers State, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the Chairmen and Councilors of the 23 Local Government Councils on the 17th of June 2023, I lawfully instituted Caretaker Committees to temporarily administer the 23 Local Government Areas pending when the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) would conduct the Local Government Elections in the State.

    “However, to entrench sustainable democracy and good governance in the country’s local government system, the Supreme Court of Nigeria by its judgement in SC/CV/343/2024: A-G Federation v A-G Abia State and 35 Ors delivered on 11 July 2024 effectively outlawed the administration of our local government councils with unelected officers and made several orders including the immediate stoppage of statutory allocations to Local Government Councils without democratically elected local government councils.

    “Following Mr President’s intervention, the period for compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment was graciously extended by three months, which will expire on the 15 of October 2024.

    “On the strength of these positive developments, I directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to take definite steps to conduct local government elections for the 23 local Government Councils of Rivers State.

    “Acting per this directive the RSIEC has since fixed and concluded all arrangements to conduct the Local Government Council election on Saturday 5th October 2024.

    “The legal impetus of RSIEC to conduct the local government elections was further strengthened by the judgment of the Rivers State High Court in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024 delivered on the 4th of September 2024, which positively directed the Governor of Rivers State, the Government of Rivers State and the RSIEC to conduct the scheduled local government elections on the 5th of October 2025 using the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission’s Voters Register already in the custody of RSIEC.

    “As of today, RVSIEC has expressed and demonstrated concrete and verifiable capacity and readiness to conduct the 2024 Rivers State Local Government Elections on the 5th of October 2024.

    “As of today, 17 out of 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, have expressly and actively demonstrated their willingness to participate by filling candidates with RSIEC for the election.

    “As of today, over 10 States in Nigeria have conducted Local Government Council Elections using the 2023 INEC Voters’ Register since the Supreme Court’s judgment and Rivers State cannot be an exception.

    “As the Governor of Rivers State, I swore to uphold the Constitution of Nigeria and abide by the rule of law and the principles of democracy.

    “Any failure on our part not to conduct the Local Government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no State Government must administer the Local Government

    “Councils in Nigeria with unelected officers with the attendant consequence of the State and the people being denied the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government areas of the State.

    “The Rivers State Government would also be acting in contempt of the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, which restrains the Governor, the State Government, and RSIEC from scuttling the conduct of the local government elections scheduled for October 5th, 2024.

    “Consequently, on the strengths of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, the Supreme Court Judgment in SC/CV/343/2024, and the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, I hereby reiterate that the Rivers State Government is irrevocably committed to conducting the local government elections on the 5th day of October 2024.

    “Against these backgrounds, I wish to assure every resident that the election for the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State shall be held on Saturday 5th October 2024 throughout the State.

    “The State Government has provided the necessary funds and logistics for RSIEC, which has assured me that it is fully prepared and ready to conduct and deliver a fair, free, and credible Local Government Council election as scheduled.

    “Therefore, I wish to advise and request all registered voters to go to their polling units to exercise their franchise by voting for the candidates of their choice as security personnel would be there to maintain order and ensure peaceful polls as a matter of constitutional duty.

    “We are leaving no stone unturned to enable all registered voters to travel to their communities to participate and peacefully exercise their civic responsibility at their polling units.

    “To this end, I hereby declare Thursday and Friday, the 3rd and 4th of October 2024 as public holidays for citizens to travel to their communities and participate in the election.

    “Furthermore, I hereby place a total restriction on vehicular and human movements into, within, and out of the State, and the Local Government Areas, from midnight of Friday 4th October 2024 to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 5th October 2024, except for persons and vehicles valid identifications who are on election and other essential duties.

    “The police and other security agencies have clear directives from the State’s Security Council to arrest and prosecute any person or group who attempts to violate the restriction on human and vehicular movements on election day.

    “I wish to appreciate the State’s Security High Command for their cooperation and commitment to effectively secure the State and ensure peaceful trouble-free local government elections.

    “As citizens, we all owe our State the commitment to support the RSIEC to succeed in delivering on its constitutional duty to conduct a free, fair, and credible Local Government Council election to usher in a new set of democratically elected leaders to administer the 23 Local Government Councils. Thank you and may God bless Rivers State”.

  • Fubara foresees new political structure in Rivers

    Fubara foresees new political structure in Rivers

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State says the local government election slated for October 5 in the State will produce a new political structure that is people-oriented.

    The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, quoted Fubara as saying this when  he received members of ‘The Simplicity Movement’ in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    The group was led by Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, a candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

    Responding to the level of public support demonstrated by the group, the governor promised to continue to defend the integrity of the state in the face of ongoing political challanges.

    “We must defend the dignity of our state, we must ensure that the commonwealth of this state belongs to everyone. This is the reason for our slogan ‘Rivers First’.

    ‘We believe that if we put the interest of the state above personal gains, we would have addressed the challanges associated with crime, hunger and unemployment,” the governor said.

    He urged the electorate to freely participate in the election. The governor also said that the election when concluded would help his administration chart the second phase of its struggle.