Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has insisted that the local government elections scheduled for Saturday must proceed as planned, despite growing tensions and allegations against the Nigeria Police Force.

Fubara accused the Inspector General of Police and the police force of acting in favor of an Abuja-based politician to disrupt the electoral process.

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Speaking at a world press conference at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Fubara asserted that all necessary preparations—legal, logistical, and security—had been completed for the elections.

He emphasized that voters had been sensitized and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) was ready to conduct the poll.

Fubara expressed disappointment with the actions of the Nigerian Police, accusing them of attempting to raid RSIEC’s office to seize sensitive electoral materials.

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He revealed that a security report alerted him to an early morning invasion of RSIEC’s headquarters by the police, prompting him to visit the scene personally.

“I was shocked to find police officers in a truck and three empty Hilux vans attempting to break into RSIEC’s premises. It was a blatant attempt to steal electoral materials, but we were able to stop them,” Fubara said.

He criticized the police for abandoning their professional duties and becoming tools in what he described as an illegal operation aimed at derailing the democratic process.

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Fubara questioned why the police would interfere with RSIEC, a state-controlled agency, when there was no valid court ruling to justify their actions.

He noted that while there had been a court order prohibiting the police from providing security to RSIEC, no ruling authorized sealing off the electoral body’s premises or halting the election.

Governor Fubara also highlighted that a court judgment obtained by the state mandated that the election should proceed, using the 2023 voter register, with police and other security agencies providing necessary protection.

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“I may not be a lawyer, but I understand that when it comes to court judgments, priority is given to the first ruling,” Fubara remarked, adding that the judgment favoring the election should be enforced.

He questioned whether any court ruling exists that overrides the Supreme Court’s position on the proper constitution of local government councils in Rivers State, reaffirming his stance that the elections will be held, winners will be declared, and those elected will be sworn in as required by law.

House of Representatives member, Alhassan Doguwa, has responded to former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, following his criticisms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and predictions about the party’s future.

Doguwa dismissed Kwankwaso’s comments that Nigerians would reject the APC in 2027, calling the statement a “mere hallucination.”

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Kwankwaso, who spoke in Kano on Thursday while welcoming defectors from the APC to his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), claimed that Nigerians, especially in the North, are dissatisfied with the current administration and will not tolerate the APC beyond 2027.

He asserted that people are tired of the party’s leadership.

In a sharp rebuttal, Doguwa, who is the Chair of the Northern Regional Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives, accused Kwankwaso of still being affected by his loss in the 2023 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu.

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He stated that the APC government is working tirelessly to improve Nigeria and advised Kwankwaso to prepare for political retirement.

“During a political event on Thursday, Kwankwaso took his hallucinations to new heights by claiming that Nigerians are fed up with the APC and will replace it in 2027. The truth is, President Bola Tinubu is relentlessly pursuing reforms to restore Nigeria’s progress and prosperity for all,” Doguwa said in a statement released on Friday.

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Doguwa also criticized the NNPP’s performance in Kano, stating that the APC is confident about reclaiming the state in future elections.

He praised Tinubu’s administration for its notable achievements, including attracting over $30 billion in foreign direct investments, reducing the debt service ratio, and improving security in the North West.

He further highlighted the efforts made to combat banditry in the region, leading to a resurgence in farming activities as peace gradually returns.

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“A fresh air is sweeping through the North West as the fight against bandits intensifies, and our people are now returning to their farms,” Doguwa added, commending Tinubu’s government for making strides in restoring stability and fostering development.

The Action Peoples Party (APP) has distanced itself from a faction in Rivers State that claims to represent the legitimate leadership of the party.

In a statement released on Friday by the party’s National Chairman, Chief Uche Nnadi, the group was described as “impostors” with no official standing within the party.

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Nnadi called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to take action against the individuals involved, urging their arrest and prosecution.

He clarified that Chief Sunny Nwokekoro is the duly recognized Chairman of the APP in Rivers State, having succeeded Hon. Kenneth Atata.

The APP’s leadership also voiced strong support for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s (RSIEC) decision to move forward with the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.

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Nnadi emphasized that the party had secured a court judgment in its favor, issued by Justice I.P.C. Igwe, which mandated the commission to conduct the poll.

“Our National Working Committee fully backs the RSIEC’s decision to conduct the local government elections in line with the court ruling. We won this judgment and are entitled to benefit from it,” the statement read.

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The APP also urged security agencies, particularly the police, to maintain neutrality during the election, cautioning against any actions that could undermine the credibility of the institution.

Nnadi stressed that it is the responsibility of the Inspector General of Police to ensure the safety and security of the process, in compliance with the court’s directives.

The party further encouraged the people of Rivers State to turn out and participate in the elections, stressing the importance of exercising their civic rights in electing their local leaders.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed that his embattled Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, remains impeached, despite recent developments.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki urged state workers to disregard directives issued by Shaibu, asserting that the impeached deputy governor lacks the authority to make such statements.

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This response follows a recent comment attributed to Shaibu, where he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prevent political appointees from looting government properties.

Obaseki described Shaibu’s statement as “infantile ramblings,” emphasizing that Shaibu remains impeached until the court makes a final determination on the matter.

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It is important to note that in July, the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified Shaibu’s impeachment, ordering his reinstatement as deputy governor on the grounds that due process was not followed by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Subsequently, on September 24, Justice James Omotosho dismissed two motions filed by the Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly challenging Shaibu’s reinstatement, while also imposing ₦400,000 in costs against the state.

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Despite these rulings, Governor Obaseki insists that Shaibu is still impeached and, until a court decision is reached, he cannot issue directives to government employees.

“We want to reiterate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as Deputy Governor of Edo State and lacks the power to issue warnings or instructions to any staff of the Edo State Government,” the statement from Obaseki read.

Obaseki called on Edo State workers to continue performing their duties without fear or intimidation, while ensuring efficient service delivery to the people of the state.

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He stressed that they should disregard Shaibu’s statements and focus on their lawful responsibilities.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over the involvement of the Nigeria Police in the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Area (LGA) elections, warning that their actions could undermine the democratic process.

The party has called on the police to refrain from interfering and urged the people of Rivers State to turn out en masse for the elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024.

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, reaffirmed that the elections will proceed despite growing tensions sparked by protests from supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Fubara has warned against any efforts by individuals or groups to disrupt the elections, emphasizing that the state will not tolerate actions leading to instability.

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The controversy arose as PDP members loyal to Wike, along with a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Chief Tony Okocha, announced their withdrawal from the election.

They cited irregularities and a lack of transparency by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Governor Fubara has further accused the police of working in collaboration with Wike to disrupt the elections.

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In a statement issued by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party stressed that the people of Rivers State are ready for the elections and called for full participation.

RSIEC, according to the statement, has declared its preparedness to conduct the polls and has all necessary materials in place.

The party emphasized that under the Electoral Act of 2022, no court has the power to halt the election process.

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Ologunagba encouraged the people of Rivers State to assert their constitutional right to participate in the elections and warned against any attempts to derail the democratic process.

He urged the international community to hold the APC and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accountable for any unrest that might occur during the election.

The PDP condemned what it described as the APC-led police force’s attempt to frustrate the election, stating that any interference in the electoral process is an affront to democracy.

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The party reiterated that the people of Rivers state are determined to exercise their right to vote and would not tolerate any disruption or suppression of their will.

Ologunagba praised the determination of Rivers residents to protect their democratic rights and expressed the PDP’s support for the state’s efforts to peacefully elect representatives who will oversee the 23 local government areas.

The PDP concluded by urging the police to fulfill their constitutional duty by ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the election to take place.

Professor Obiora Okonkwo, political economist and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, has expressed deep concerns about the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in Anambra State.

Okonkwo, a former governorship candidate, criticized Soludo’s two and a half years in office, calling the governor an “intellectual narcissist” and asserting that Anambra is “becoming a ghost state” under his administration.

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According to Okonkwo, who chose to remain silent initially to allow the new government time to stabilize, the security situation in Anambra has deteriorated since Soludo took office.

He remarked that insecurity has stifled economic and social life, with many elite and business owners fleeing the state.

“The state has lost almost 60% of its economic capacity,” Okonkwo lamented, adding that businesses, particularly those in the local government areas, are suffering due to increased taxation and insecurity.

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Okonkwo also criticized Soludo’s alleged lack of engagement with critical stakeholders, describing the government’s efforts as largely self-serving.

He accused the governor of focusing more on his political ambitions, including securing a second term, rather than addressing the pressing needs of the people.

On the issue of security, Okonkwo dismissed claims that state governors are powerless, noting that Soludo receives a monthly security vote of around N2 billion, which he claims is not being adequately spent on tackling the worsening security challenges.

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He emphasized that without a secure environment, no meaningful development can take place.

Despite being long-time friends, Okonkwo stressed that his criticisms stem from a sense of responsibility and love for Anambra, not personal animosity.

He expressed concerns about Soludo’s leadership style and urged the governor to focus on creating a legacy that benefits the people, rather than prioritizing his ego.

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Okonkwo further touched on the recent local government elections in Anambra, where the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had a landslide victory, describing it as a display of the governor’s power but warned that such dominance could invite future political retribution.

As Anambra gears up for another election, Okonkwo left the decision to the people but was clear in his call for Governor Soludo to live up to his promises and prioritize the welfare of the state.

On Friday, a large group of angry protesters gathered at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, chanting slogans like “Election must hold” despite heavy rain.

The demonstrators set up canopies and blocked part of the road as they sang and drummed in defiance of the weather.

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The protest followed an earlier incident in which Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara rushed to the RSIEC to prevent the Rivers State Police Command from taking control of the electoral office.

The governor expressed his frustration over the police’s plans to halt the voting exercise scheduled for Saturday, stating, “Keep your security; I do not need it. It happened in Anambra State. This election must hold on Saturday. The results will be declared, and the winners will be sworn in.”

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In a related incident, security operatives successfully thwarted an attempt by individuals dressed in police uniforms to seize the RSIEC office around 1 a.m. on Friday.

These individuals reportedly tried to breach the gates and strongroom to steal sensitive electoral materials needed for the upcoming local government elections.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the operation was disrupted when alert security personnel notified key officials at the commission and relevant government authorities.

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This information was swiftly communicated to Governor Fubara.

Meanwhile, the police had previously announced, citing a ruling from a Federal High Court, that they would withdraw their personnel from the election set for Saturday.

More than 960 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have officially defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

This move is spearheaded by Alhaji Baba Sabiu, the Chairman of the APC in the Dala Local Government Area.

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The mass defection occurs in anticipation of the local government elections scheduled for October 26. Among the defectors are former councillors from 12 wards within the Dala LGA, who expressed a desire for progressive change as their primary motivation for joining the NNPP.

Alhaji Sabiu, representing the group, expressed confidence in the NNPP’s potential to instigate significant reforms and enhance its electoral prospects.

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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the NNPP, warmly embraced the newcomers, assuring them of equal treatment within the party ranks.

He reiterated the NNPP’s dedication to fostering socio-economic and political growth in Nigeria, emphasizing their focus on the 2027 agenda.

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“NNPP is committed to promoting unity and steering Nigeria towards greater progress,” Kwankwaso remarked, urging residents of Kano and citizens across Nigeria to rally behind the party’s candidates in the upcoming elections.

He encouraged voters to participate actively and support the NNPP, highlighting the party’s vision for a stronger, united nation.