Politics

Council Polls: As Election Day Dawns, ’Morrow…

Published

5 years ago

April 16, 2021

The All Progressives Congress (APC) will again be missing on the ballot paper tomorrow as Rivers people go to the poll to elect those who will manage their resources at the grassroots level as councilors and chairmen of the 23 local government council areas. In the 2019 state and national elections, the party was barred from fielding candidates for the elections in the state by the highest constitutional court of the land.

In this case, however, the party has chosen not to test its strength, popularity and acceptability by the people and by so doing failing to enrich the electoral process and deepen democratic norm. The people’s scope of choice is eventually also limited as they go out to give their mandate for the next three years at that level. Obviously, the APC could not find itself sufficiently organized and prepared to get into the contest or face Rivers people while still struggling to pull itself together and give itself requisite re-orientation.

What is also worthy of note about the coming Rivers council polls is the Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration’s commitment and determination to entrench democratic ethos within its sphere of control in ensuring that elections at the third tier of government are held as at when due.

For a very long time this would be the first time elections would hold without the usual unconstitutional punctuations of caretaker committees at the local government level. The practice of having the caretaker committee interregnum between three to six months, in the least, had almost become the norm. The expectation by Rivers people is that the savoury tradition would truly be finally put to rest in the state no matter how widespread it is practiced in the country. Rivers State must in this regard blaze the trail for the rest of the states to copy.

Accordingly, there is a very high expectation among indigenes and residents of the state, including the participating political parties that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) will discharge itself creditably in delivering free, fair and credible elections that will equal the high standards already initiated by the state government. So far, there is no indication that RSIEC has been denied or rendered handicapped by insufficient or inadequate logistics support and assistance by the state government or any other relevant critical stakeholder.

The final list of names of political parties that have received clearance from the state electoral umpire shows that a total of 17 political parties will be on the ballot tomorrow. These include: African Action Congress (AAC); Action Democratic Party (ADP); Accord Party (AP); Social Democratic Party (SDP); National Rescue Movement (NRM); Action Alliance (AA); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Labour Party (LP); Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Young Progressives Party (YPP); Allied Peoples Movement (APM); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); African Democratic Congress (ADC); New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Boot Party (BP); Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Action Peoples Party (APP).

“We shall organize and conduct free, fair and credible elections into the 23 local government councils. We shall provide equal opportunities/level playing ground to all the registered political parties. We shall be firm, resolute and impartial. We are men and women of proven track record and we have our reputation to protect”, the chairman of RSIEC, Justice George Omereji (rtd) told stakeholders while urging the Rivers State electorate to “come out en-masse to exercise their franchise in a most peaceful and orderly manner devoid of ill-will, rancor and/or violence”.

Retired Justice Omereji assured the people of the state of a violence-free poll, noting that the commission had secured the assurances of all security agencies in the state of maximum cooperation and assistance to protect lives and property and electoral materials before, during and after the polls. Without a doubt, the well worded statements of the RSIEC boss were not swallowed hook, line and sinker as political parties and candidates, especially, those outside the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to intone reservations about the commission’s sincerity and courage to match its words with action. While some have expressed fears that RSIEC staff may compromise and give the PDP undue advantage on the field, others have even speculated that results of the election have already been written before the contest at Government House without any iota of proof or evidence.

Clearly, RSIEC has a burden to discharge and an onerous task to dispense justice, fairness and equity as it goes into the field tomorrow because only manifest demonstration of honesty, sincerity, transparency, accountability and integrity will satisfy the stakeholders in the election, guarantee a peaceful atmosphere and truly preserve and promote the good name of the chairman and his commissioners.

The Rivers State Police command which is at the head of providing security during the elections has not been short of giving assurances of adequate protection of lives and property of the electorate as well as electoral officials and their materials. The credibility of any electoral process is validated by the level of voters’ turn-out and the freedom to exercise their civic duty in an atmosphere devoid of intimidation, harassment, inducement or undue pressure. of-course, such state of affairs cannot be achieved in an environment where political thugs and hoodlums are not deterred by the presence of law enforcement agents to apprehend and make them face the full wrath of the law.

Political parties on their part, must be open minded and approach the contest with the spirit of sportsmanship. To this end, they must not force themselves on the people.

After campaigning and selling their agenda to the people, the electorate must be allowed to exercise their right of choice and such rights expressed must be respected. Any attempt to corrupt and/or denigrate the process will be counterproductive and any effort at pulling down the structure because their candidates did not receive the endorsement of the people will amount to being public enemy number one.

Participation in the process alone must be seen as service rendered already and failure to be elected at the poll must not be interpreted as rejection or exclusion from the community. It must be borne in mind that the opportunity to be elected will always present itself as long as the election clock keeps ticking and the democratic orbit keeps revolving. The most important dogma of the political parties must be obligation to play by the rules.

Finally, the people/electorate must approach the elections with all the seriousness it deserves. There should be no room for lethargy or lackluster attitude. The people must understand that if they have to take any election seriously, it is this one as it concerns the leadership and government that they can directly relate with. They must therefore go out in their numbers to vote candidates of their choice without let or hindrance.

Adequate care must be taken to ensure that the process is conducted in a manner that would faithfully represent their wishes. It is therefore expected that electoral officers and security agencies will receive desired cooperation in the discharge of their duties. The people must protect the exercise and make it deliver and enthrone the leadership that they give their mandate to oversee their affairs at that level.

All said and done, it is the responsibility of everyone living and doing business in Rivers State that the local councils elections in the state are conducted peacefully and in keeping with the highest standards of prosecuting the exercise in the best democratic tradition. Indeed, it has to be done in the best interest of the development of Rivers State and those who live in it.

By: Opaka Dokubo

Politics

Rivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance over the recent political development in Rivers State.

The Forum has also set up a high level Reconciliation Committee chaired by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

This is contained in a press statement released in Abuja on Saturday.

The statement was jointly signed by PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen, Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, and Obong Victor Attah (a former governor of Akwa Ibom State), as well as PANDEF’s National Chairman, Chief Godknows Igali.

Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.

“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.

“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.

“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.

The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.

“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.

“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.

PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.

Politics

Wike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

A prominent Ijaw leader and former spokesperson of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, of violating Nigeria’s electoral laws through what he described as premature and unlawful political mobilisation across local government areas in Rivers State.

Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.

According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.

“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.

The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.

Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.

During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.

Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

5 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.