The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has congratulated the people of Rivers State on the successful conduct of the local government election in the State on Saturday.
Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the coalition, described the elections as a triumph for democracy, citing the peaceful participation of the people as a testament to their unwavering commitment to democratic values.
“In spite of past challenges, the people of Rivers have proven that their voices will be heard and their choices will shape the future. This achievement is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
Ameh, speaking in Abuja, noted that the people of Rivers have sent a powerful message, demanding accountability, transparency, and effective governance. He emphasised that the collective resolve had given the country hope for a better national election.
The CUPP National Secretary also highlighted the significance of the election’s success, stating that it had strengthened Nigeria’s democratic institutions, inspired hope for a brighter future, and demonstrated the power of collective action.
“Your participation has proven that democracy can thrive in Nigeria. We look forward to a continued upward trajectory, where citizens’ voices are amplified and leaders are held accountable.”
He added that the successful election had dealt a significant blow to external anti-democratic forces seeking to undermine the country’s democracy. Ameh concluded that the resilience of democracy in the face of external interference demonstrated the strength of democratic institutions and the people’s resolve.
“The success of the election offers hope for democracy’s resilience and revitalisation, showing that citizens can unite to reject anti-democratic forces and affirm their commitment to democratic values”.
APP sweeps 22 Chairmanship seats in Rivers LG polls
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had declared that the Action Peoples Party (APP) in Rivers swept 22 of the 23 Chairmanship positions contested in Saturday’s Local Government Elections.
Chairman of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, announcing the results, described the elections as free and fair, and said the winners secured two-third majority votes in their respective wards across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGA) in the state.
“Results for 19 Wards in Etche LGA are still being collated, while the results for the 319 councillorship positions across the 23 LGAs will be announced in due course,” he said.
Enebeli further said that elections were conducted in all the 6,866 units in 319 Wards, with 18 of the 19 political parties participating.
“The elections, which concluded at 3 p.m., recorded a significant voter turnout, with many defying the rain to cast their ballots,” he said.
He commended the political parties and residents for their dedication to ensuring a smooth election process.
The RSIEC boss declared those who polled the highest number of votes duly elected Chairmen of their respective LGAs.
The list of the successful Chairmen included Vincent Obu (Abua/Odual), Chibudom Ezu (Ahoada-East), Iyekor Ikporo (Ahoada-West), Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide (Akuku-Toru), Lazarus Nteogwuile (Andoni), and Dr Sule Amachree (Asari-Toru).
Others were Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny), Dr Harry Agiriye (Degema), Chief Brain Gokpa (Eleme), David Omereji (Emohua), Monday Dumiye (Gokana), and Isreal Abosi (Ikwerre).
Also declared winners were Martins Nwigbo (Khana), Chijioke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor), and Isaac Umejuru (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Ishmael Oforibika (Ogu/Bolo), Igwe Achese (Okrika), and Promise Reginald (Omuma).
The rest were Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro), Gift Okere (Oyibo), Ezebunwo Ichemati (Port Harcourt) and Matthew Dike (Tai).
The declaration of the results was witnessed by agents of the 18 political parties, members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and civil society groups, among others.