Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the scheduled Local Government Election will be conducted on the 5th October, 2024 because there is no encumbrance known to law to stop the process.
The assurance is coming in the thick of speculations and fears that the now over-hyped election might not hold because of several challenges including litigations, boycott and other threats against the exercise.
The election is clearly a litmus test of the grit and popularity of Governor Fubara in the ongoing political quarrel between him and his predecessor and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
But after the inspection tour of some sections of the 12.5km N225.1billion Trans-Kalabari Road project on Monday, the Governor who had hitherto refrained from making any comments on the local government elections came to urged political parties and candidates contesting for various positions in the election and the electorate to be enthusiastic as they prepare to vote their preferred candidates that would become the new political leaders at the council level.
The project is under construction, beginning from the Nkpor-Aker Road Roundabout in Rumuolumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, and is connecting Bakana community by over-bridge across the seas and other communities in Kalabari land.
Commenting on the Trans-Kalabari Road project, Gov. Fubara said: “We are in Rumuolumeni, which is the starting point of the Trans-Kalabari Road. If you remember when we came to flag off this project, it is a project that will connect the Tombia people to the city.
“So, we just came for inspection to see the progress of the job. I can say I am not too impressed, but considering the terrain, it is not a normal strong land where you just go clean the earth and just lay your asphalt.
“But I have told them that I need more speed because this project is a very important project for me. As a matter of fact, I see it as one of my legacy projects. It is important that I achieve it before we complete our tenure,” he added.
Gov. Fubara also visited the complex of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) where he interacted with the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli and other principal staff.
He told them; “Our election will hold on the 5th of October, 2024. I’m aware that RSIEC told me that they already had an order mandating them to conduct the election on the 5th October, 2024, and the security agencies to support them.
“So, I think with that order, the election will hold. I might not be a lawyer but I know there is something they call first-in-hand, and since they have the first-in- hand, we will give them all the necessary support for that election to be conducted. And it will be one of the best elections ever conducted free and fair in this State.”
Addressing RSIEC staff, Governor Fubara said he has been inundated with rumours of plans by some misguided fellows to disrupt activities at the commission, and warned such persons to retrace their steps.
He stated: “What is important to me is the interest of Rivers State, that it has to be alive. It doesn’t belong to anybody. I don’t care who nominated you but do the right thing, that is what is important to me, because if we make a mistake today, it is going to live with us forever.
“Nobody has a right to come here. This is Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. It belongs to Rivers State, and I am the Governor. So, if their is anything, let me know, I will come here myself.”
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
