Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has hailed the local government polls in Rivers State which were held on Saturday.
The election which was conducted against stiff opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party being controlled by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and his aligned All Progressives Congress was won by the Action Peoples Party (APP).
Although Sim Fubara, the state governor, is a member of the PDP, he insisted on conducting the election as his associates moved to the APP where they emerged as candidates and won the elections in the 23 LG areas of the state.
He has moved to swear them in immediately.
Atiku noted that with the conduct of the election, a new political atmosphere has set in but that governance should be given priority.
He said the people have triumphed over intimidation and harassment being waged by the godfathers.
Atiku in a statement on Sunday said, “With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the State.”
He added that from the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, “the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy.
“As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.”
The former vice president said “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government leaders, I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour and shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours.”
He commended “the resilient people of Rivers State for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.”
He also applauded Fubara “for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.
“In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process,” Atiku said.
