By CHUKWUMA OFILI
- Action Peoples Party Dominates Local Government Elections in Rivers State
**Port Harcourt, Nigeria** – The Rivers State Government is set to officially swear in the 23 chairmen elected in Saturday’s Local Government Council elections. The ceremony will take place this afternoon, October 6, 2024, at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced that the Action Peoples Party (APP) won all chairmanship positions across the local government areas. Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will commence at 4 PM, with the newly elected chairmen and their guests expected to arrive by 3:30 PM.
- Election Day Violence Raises Concerns Among Residents
Despite the elections proceeding, residents expressed significant concerns over security, as the day was marked by incidents of gunfire, bomb explosions, and protests in various regions of the state. This atmosphere of tension was anticipated, leading to widespread fears among voters, particularly due to the limited police presence at polling stations.
Reports indicate that the polls opened early in many areas, even in the absence of law enforcement, following the delivery of election materials by RSIEC. Significantly, the police had previously announced their withdrawal from providing security during the elections due to a court order prohibiting them and other security agencies from intervening in the electoral process.
- Legal Challenges Impacting Electoral Security
The Federal High Court in Abuja had issued a ruling that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to RSIEC. This ruling also prevented the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from offering security during the elections. The legal battles have exacerbated tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, creating a politically charged atmosphere in Rivers State.
In light of these challenges, RSIEC has stated that it received a valid copy of the voter register from INEC last year, countering claims that the elections were improperly conducted. Protests against the election results have emerged, with supporters of Wike expressing their discontent in Port Harcourt.
As the Rivers State Government prepares for the swearing-in ceremony, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty and contention among stakeholders.