5 Days To Go: Countdown To Rivers Local Govt Election Begins
● A new political dawn may lie ahead of Rivers people
By PHC Telegraph
In five days time, precisely on Saturday this week, Rivers people will file out of their homes to exercise their right to choose.
They would be voting at the grassroots to elect a new generation of leaders that will serve at the third tier level.
It is the first round of elections evet to be conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, under the watchful eyes of the Siminalayi Fubara administration.
Already, several political parties have so far indicated their intention to participate in the election which is likely to change the dynamics of politics in the oil-rich State.
A political heavyweight who did not want his name in print told this publication on Monday, “This election will be a major test of will between pro-democracy forces in Rivers State and those who are fighting to truncate the mandate of the Rivers people.”
RSIEC is promising a level playing ground for all who are participating in the local election on the platforms of various parties.
Its Chairman, Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli who made the pledge in the Rivers capital, Port Harcourt equally assured that nothing will stop the electoral body from discharging the onerous responsibility of conducting the council election.
So much is at stake as Rivers people prepare to elect the new leaders of local government administrations.
There have been attempts by some persons seen as pro-Wike supporters to destabilize the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
And serious moves in the last few days by pro-Wike forces in the PDP and the APC in Rivers State to derail the conduct of local government elections that are expected to usher in a new dawn.
Tied to the outcome of the forthcoming local elections is the political and administrative direction of the State and its people at this point in time.
The exercise which promises to attract popular participation is a referendum as well.
Through their votes in the local elections, Rivers people would either deliver a vote of confidence in the leadership of Governor Sim Fubara or a non confidence vote on Wike and his supporters.
From all indications, the State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will not be taking part in the elections.
Ex-governor Nyesom Wike: Has he become a rebel?It is proof of the wide gulf that has developed as a result of the titanic battle that is taking place between Wike and his godson, Fubara.
For the avoidance of doubt, Wike and Fubara are fighting not only for the soul of Rivers State.
They are also fighting for the control of the PDP and the issue of who should have the final say over the enormous resources of the State.
Wike may have succeeded in creating distractions in the last one year, but he has not been successful in his bid to eclipse Sim Fubara and upturn the elected government of Rivers State.
Fubara who declared the other day that he is still a member of the PDP vowed that he will not give up his liver or kidney in the name of demonstrating loyalty.
The Governor has the support of the Governors Forum and the Governors Forum is insisting that Fubara, not Wike, is the leader of Rivers State.
But the absence of the Rivers PDP from a turf that it may have dominated if it enjoyed a united house has given impetus to smaller parties.
For the first time in Rivers history, smaller parties such as the APP, SDP and YPP are having a field day on the road to the local government elections.
The names of these parties and the candidates that are campaigning over the State appear to be on the lips of most Rivers people, suggesting that a change from what is seen as the norm at the grassroots may be imminent.
Indications from the field show that the APP derided on Saturday by Wike is most likely to have an edge in an election that other parties participating in the exercise may be poised to secure marginal wins.
According to RSIEC’s timetable, open air campaigns are expected to end at least 48 hours before voters go to the polls to vote.
Governor Fubara has called for peaceful elections as Rivers people get ready to file out of their homes on Saturday to express their preferences.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara addressing a group of Rivers people led by a former Chief Sobomabo Jackrish who marched to the Government House on Monday to pay him a solidarity visit.
He said while addressing a group of Rivers people, especially youths led by a former gubernatorial candidate, Chief Sobomabo Jackrish a.k.a Egberipapa that electoral violence is not an option.