Nelson Utip
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has stated that the Local Government Election in the state will go on as scheduled on the 5th October, 2024 as there is no encumbrance known to law to stop the process, this is coming amidst speculations that litigations and threats will hinder the exercise.
The forthcoming LG election will determine who has the upper hand between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor and Minister of The FCT in light of the political squabble between the duo.
Governor Fubara told the political parties and contestants to brace up for the election after inspecting some sections of the 12.5km N225.1billion Trans-Kalabari Road project on Monday, he advised 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.
“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,” Fubara said while commenting on the Trans-Kalabari road projeCT.
On a visit to the complex of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) he interacted with the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli and other principal staff.
“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.” He said.
To the RSIEC staff, Governor Fubara emboldened them by telling them to disregard rumours by disgruntled elements of disruption of the Local Government election, warning the naysayers to retrace their steps.
“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.” Fubara said.
