The Peoples Democratic Party has warned the Nigeria Police not to undermine democracy, urging the residents of Rivers State to engage in the Local Government Area election scheduled for Saturday.
On Thursday, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara confirmed that the local government election would proceed as planned, despite opposition from supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The governor urged individuals and groups not to attempt to interfere with the electoral process, emphasizing his refusal to tolerate any actions that might create confusion or instability in the state.
Tensions have risen as PDP supporters aligned with Wike and a faction of the All Progressives Congress, headed by Chief Tony Okocha, have opted out of the election, citing concerns over irregularities and a lack of proper procedures by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Fubara has likewise alleged that the Nigeria Police are working in conjunction with Wike to disrupt the local government elections.
In reply, the PDP, represented by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, declared that the residents of Rivers State are ready for the election.
Ologunagba mentioned that RSIEC has verified its preparedness and has all the essential materials to carry out the election, emphasizing that no court operating under the Electoral Act 2022 has the authority to obstruct the process.
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The statement read in part “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the people of Rivers State to firmly assert their sovereignty and Constitutional right by coming out en masse to vote in the Saturday, October 5, 2024 Local Government Area election across the State.
“The PDP insists that the right to civil control of democratic activities in Rivers State as a federating unit belongs to the generality of the people of the State and such right, including participation in Local Government Area election cannot be abridged or appropriated by any person, group or organization under any guise whatsoever.
“The Party maintains that the people of Rivers State are ready for election; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court and NO COURT under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has the power to stop elections.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that Nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general elections, under the Act pending the determination of a suit.”
The PDP called on Nigerians and the global community to demand accountability from the APC and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for any disturbances of peace and order occurring in Rivers State at this moment.
“The PDP in very strong terms condemns the attempt by the APC-controlled Police to abridge, subvert and frustrate the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election against the Will of the people, the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, the express provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended) and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The reported invasion of RSIEC facilities by Police operatives allegedly to frustrate the conduct of the election is a direct affront to our democracy and the Rule of Law; an attempt which was firmly resisted by the people of Rivers State who are resolute to express their Will at the poll.
“The Police and the APC should note that the people of Rivers State are peace-loving and law-abiding but will never allow anybody by whatever means to stifle, abridge, appropriate or subvert their Will, especially in choosing who governs them, particularly at the Local Government level.
“The Inspector General of Police should note that he is duty bound under the Constitution to provide the enabling and secure environment for the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election irrespective of where he stands as an individual. Duty calls on him to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-earned democracy and the stability of our nation, Nigeria,” the party said.
Ologunagba commended the bravery and resolve of the Rivers State populace in their dedication to safeguarding their right to engage in the electoral process.
The PDP voiced its backing for the government and citizens of Rivers in their effort to elect representatives peacefully, who will oversee the administration of the 23 Local Government Areas in line with legal regulations.
