Factional members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, believed to be supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, staged a protest on Thursday against the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
The protesters gathered at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt before taking to the streets, carrying placards and voicing opposition to the election plans.
In a recent statewide broadcast, Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared October 3 and 4 as public holidays to allow residents to return to their communities and participate in the polls. The governor also imposed a restriction on vehicular movement starting from midnight on October 4 until 5:00 PM on Election Day.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has condemned the governor’s insistence on proceeding with the election. Speaking at a press briefing, the APC’s caretaker committee chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, criticized the Fubara-led administration, accusing it of steering the state towards lawlessness.
“We are witnessing a descent into impunity. The governor has consistently governed without regard for the law, and we will not stand by as the state is driven into chaos,” Okocha said.
The APC also raised concerns over the legality of the election, citing the unresolved court judgement by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which the Fubara administration has yet to appeal.
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