Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has thrown his weight
behind Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, regarding the planned local
government elections in the state.
The election is billed for October 5 across the 23 LGAs of
the state.
But the ongoing crisis in the state, which stems from the
rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor, has made the election
appear as a crucial test of grassroots influence.
On September 30, a federal high court in Abuja barred the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter
register to RSIEC.
The court also barred the inspector-general of police and
the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the
exercise.
On October 2, INEC said it had not released the voter
register to RSIEC for the conduct of the election, in compliance with the
verdict of the court.
On October 3, a crowd besieged the PDP secretariat in Port
Harcourt to protest against the planned election.
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Despite these developments, Fibara has vowed
to proceed with the poll, and declared Thursday and Friday as public
holidays
In a post on his X page on Friday, Abubukar lauded Fubara
for his courage, adding that the planned poll would stand as a “beacon of
hope.”
He also described the scheduled election as a vital step
towards revitalising Nigeria’s democratic system.
“The local government elections in Rivers State tomorrow
stand as a beacon of hope, offering renewed vigour to constitutional democracy
at the very core of governance,” he said.
“These elections
present an opportunity to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government
autonomy, breathing life into the foundational principles of our republic.
“Undoubtedly, this election resounds as a powerful
affirmation of constitutionalism and the rule of law, a cause that should rally
the support of all true champions of democracy.
“It is a call to every believer in the democratic process to
stand firm in defence of the people’s right to choose their leaders freely and
fairly.
“I commend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, @SimFubaraKSC, for
his courageous leadership in ensuring local government elections are held in
Rivers State.
“I also encourage
every resident to embrace their civic duty with peace and purpose as they cast
their votes, selecting those who will lead at the grassroots level.
“It is my unwavering conviction that the democratic process
is sacred, and through it, the people must be empowered to shape their future
by choosing their leaders in every local community.”
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