PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called on newly elected Local Government Area (LGA) chairpersons to adopt his governance strategy of patience and calculated decision-making as they prepare to assume office.
Fubara gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony held on Sunday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, following the conclusion of the controversial Rivers LGA elections, on Sunday October 6, 2024.
In his address, the governor declared that the dispute surrounding the recent polls had come to an end. The Action Peoples Party (APP) secured victories in 22 of the LGAs, while the Action Alliance (AA) won one. Despite pre-election apprehensions and the tense atmosphere during voting, Fubara assured the new chairpersons that the election outcome stands firm.
Fubara cautioned the officials about the potential for unrest when they assume office, warning them of planned confrontations by disgruntled groups. “I’m aware that there are plans to mobilise 20 people per unit to confront you when you return to your local government headquarters,” he revealed.
He urged the chairpersons to remain calm and avoid engaging in any violence. “If they come with violence, avoid them. The peace of this state is too important to us. Everyone knows what they are planning, but I urge you to follow my approach.”
The governor reiterated the need for patience and strategic thinking, stating, “At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculative. We have made our promises to our people, and we are committed to leading them to the Promised Land.”
The Rivers LGA elections, held amidst gunshots, bomb explosions, and protests, had sparked anxiety across the state. Residents were particularly alarmed by the minimal presence of security forces at polling stations, with the police notably absent due to a court order.
Despite these concerns, voter turnout was reported to be substantial across the 23 LGAs. Observers noted that the election commenced early, even in the absence of police, after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) successfully distributed both sensitive and non-sensitive materials.
The police had earlier announced that they would not be providing security during the election, citing a Federal High Court order from Abuja that restrained them, along with other security agencies, from offering protection. The court had also prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to RSIEC for the poll.
Despite the contentious atmosphere, Fubara’s message to the newly sworn-in officials was clear: patience and calculated actions would lead to success in navigating the challenges ahead.
