Rivers LG Election: PDP Warns Police, Backs Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

 

It came late, but as the saying goes, better late than never. In a surprising stand, given the alleged indifference of the National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the political crisis in Rivers the National Working Committee has finally said something. The NWC has thrown its weight behind the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara in the controversy over the Local Government Election slated for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

It  has rallied behind  Fubara, and urged  Rivers people to  freely  participate in the exercise.

Tension is thick in the State. And the question is: What will happen on October 5, 2024.

In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, the PDP enjoined the  people of Rivers State to  assert their sovereignty and constitutional right to vote.

The NWC hammered on  the fundamental right of the people to take part in  elections is “sacrosanct and must not be curtailed or monopolized by any individual, group, or organization.”

The Party  condemned  the alleged conduct of the “APC-controlled” police, and lamented that “their actions aimed at undermining the election process reflect a disturbing pattern of intimidation. Citing reports of the unwarranted invasion of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) facilities, the party decried this attack as a direct affront to democracy and a blatant violation of the rule of law, calling for immediate accountability.”

The statement:

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the people of Rivers State to firmly assert their sovereignty and Constitutional right by coming out enmasse 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 power to stop elections.

“For 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 in very strong term 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 @OfficialPDPNig calls on Nigerians and the International Community to hold the @OfficialAPCNg and the Inspector General of Police responsible should there be any breakdown of Law and Order in Rivers State at this time.

“The Inspector General of Police @PoliceNG 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.

Our Party salutes the courage and steadfastness of the people of Rivers State in their determination to defend their rights to participate in the process of electing their leaders.

The PDP stands with the Government

@SimFubaraKSC and people of Rivers in their desire to peacefully elect representatives that will democratically run the affairs of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State in line with the provisions of the Law.”

Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary