Rivers LG Polls: We Are Satisfied With The Process – Respondents

Going by the outcome of the April 17, 2021 local government elections in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, which in the minds of some residents, it is an acceptable exercise, while to others, it was a charade, as they alleged that the outcome of the elections was already a public knowledge.
Our correspondent, Bethel Toby, who sampled the opinions of many eligible voters and residents about the elections, described it as, “satisfactory”, and commendable since the emergence of democratic rule over 20 years ago in Nigeria.
Excerpts:

Hon. Chamberlain Nwogu – Administrator- Afam, Oyigbo
I think the whole process is good; though, the polls were devoid of chaos, acrimony and the wanton destruction of lives and property, hence, it is satisfactory.
I also commend the retired Justice George Omereji-led Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting one of the freest, fairest and credible elections in the country. I returned all the glory to God Almighty.
For the elected officials in the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, they should do something meaningful in the area of governance, where people-oriented development projects should “wear a human-face” to justify the huge investment of the state government in the local levels.

Comrade Juliet Ekeh –Economist, Rumuodamaya, OBALGA
Of a truth, the election was well planned and conducted and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP)candidates emerged in the 23 council areas; it is a thing of joy, but there is need for the government in conjunction with the electoral umpire to give a level playing ground for other political parties to feel the impact of an election. As we can see in the entire exercise, only PDP candidates emerged, making the whole system to be a ‘one-party business’. I advised that in subsequent polls in the state, other registered political parties be allowed to produce winners, as is the wish of the electorate. Some voters came out to vote for candidates of their choice and not party.

Ms. Hope Johnson – Undergraduate-Nchia, Eleme LGA
I am satisfied with the conduct of the just concluded council polls in Rivers State, but I am appealing to the government to give free-hand to the elected chairmen and councilors to discharge their legitimate functions at the local government levels for the well-being of the people. The idea of government hijacking the duties of leaders at the grassroots as alleged previously should be addressed for good governance to thrive.
Above-all, I commend our indefatigable Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for ensuring that the whole exercise remained free, fair and most applauding. I congratulate the victors, and for the gallant losers, I urge them to keep the event of the polls at their backs and work in tandem with elected officers to move the Local Government Area forward.

Engr. Ben Nwaorehu – Tourism Expert – Omoku, ONELGA
One thing is certain in our life, that is, sincerity, equity and fairplay which must be allowed to be part of us in all ramifications. In this context, the polls have come and gone, but the issue here now is, how many political parties came out victorious if not only the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP)?
Let the government, for goodness sake, give room for equity, because, he that demands for equity must come with a clean hand”. Let Nigerians stand their ground and say no to injustice, lack of equity and the denial of opportunity.
Many political parties contested the elections, how come about that only PDP emerged victorious in both the chairmanship and councillorship polls, which to me, is very unfair. I, therefore, urge the government at all levels to distance themselves from electoral process of this nature for peace to reign.

Dr. Igwama Geneva – Ophthalmologist- Kalio-Ama, WALGA

I am satisfied with the conduct of the election half-way. Though, there were reported cases of lopsidedness in the entire process, especially, the late arrival of electoral materials, poor distribution management by the officials of RSIEC and other electoral problems which could not allow eligible voters to exercise their franchise and choose candidates of their choice.
Apart from that, I appreciate the performance of the electoral umpire in particular and the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike in general for providing what it takes for the polls. I also enjoined both the winners and losers to work in tandem with one another to develop the grassroots for posterity.
The chairmen and their councillors should use the opportunity to build bridges of even development for the good of the common man, and not see it, as “avenue to amass wealth for themselves at the detriment of the down-trodden masses in the Local Government Areas.

Dr. Marygold Amadi – Lecturer – Aluu, KELGA
I want the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to borrow a leaf of what happened in Rivers State recently and perfect all the grey areas in its electoral process in subsequent polls in Nigeria.
The election has come and gone, all we want from the chairmen and councilors is to settle down to the business of governance and ensure that the masses was catered for in terms of the provision of amenities, ranging from good motorable roads, potable drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, employment generation for the youths, women and other vulnerable groups in their domains, empowerment largesse of grants and scholarships for students in tertiary institutions in the country and other demanding needs.
I urge all of them not to scuttle the process by functioning outside their domains, and shun the temptation of operating from Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, even overseas.
This is grassroots government and all the council chairmen and their lawmakers, including other principal officers of the various councils should brace up and dispense good governance to allow for equity and fair-play to take its course.

Comrade Francis Nwieme – Unionist – Bori, KHALGA
There is need for our elected chairmen and councilors to think fast concerning the electorate that voted for them and ensure they are included in their administration mainstream for good results. This should not be business as usual. Previous governments in our local areas failed to deliver democracy dividends, where councils’ funds were diverted to private pockets, including, government properties in their care. While elected, let the reverse be the case. There is need for them to bring their best to serve the people and not their families, friends and political godfathers and mothers. I wish them all prosperous leadership ahead.

Mrs. Beauty Essi Voka – Educationist – Umuebule, II, Etche LGA
Hurray! The election has finally come to a climax. All I need to say, is that those elected should operate an open-door-policy administration, where everyone would contribute their quotas for productive governance.
In all, I congratulate them and wish them memorable tenure.