THE Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has acknowledged that he stands to lose the most in the upcoming local government election due to the absence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the contest.
He, however, affirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable democracy and made it clear that any attempts by individuals or groups to create instability in the state would not be tolerated.
Governor Fubara called on all registered voters and political leaders to participate actively in the October 5, 2024 election, which will usher in new leadership across the 23 Local Government Councils.
This appeal was made during a meeting with Rivers Political Stakeholders at the Government House in Port Harcourt, ahead of the election.
In a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara reiterated the administration’s stance on the election, emphasizing that the process would go ahead as planned and only registered voters in the state would be allowed to participate.
He encouraged citizens to follow legal procedures as stipulated by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and assured that the election process would be successfully concluded.
On the PDP’s non-participation, Fubara admitted, “I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating.
But, as Governor, I am bound by the Supreme Court ruling that local governments must have elected officials.” He further explained that an agreement had been reached with the President, following the court ruling, to comply with a 90-day timeline for conducting the election, despite the PDP’s absence.
Fubara expressed gratitude to party loyalists for their support of democracy and the rule of law, and urged them to return to their local government areas, participate in the process, and remain peaceful.
He also urged stakeholders not to be swayed by rumors or disruptions, assuring them that the government would maintain stability in Rivers State.