- Don’t See Yourself As Emperors, But As Servants- Fubara
- Says Emulate My Approach To Governance, They Are Planning Violence Tomorrow
- Rivers People Have Rejected Oppression, Harassment Of Self-Serving Godfathers- Atiku
- How Fubara Outmanoeuvred Wike As Ministers’ Former Loyalists Emerge Chairmen
After a contentious electioneering process, Governor Siminalayi Fubara Sunday, October 6, 2024 sworn in 23 newly elected local government chairmen in Rivers State barely 24 hours after the election.
This is even as he advised the new chairmen to see themselves as servants and not emperors.
After an exercise held amid heightened tension, the Action People’s Party (APP) won 22 chairmanship positions out of the 23 in the oil-rich state with the Action Alliance (AA) winning just one LGA – Etche.
The swearing in exercise held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Sunday, comes a day after the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC) conducted an election at the grassroots.
During the swearing in process which was witnessed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, an elated Fubara expressed joy at the success of the LG election, saying it takes the help of God to survive the past few days.
He also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for being a democrat.
Fubara, who assured Mohammed that he is still a member of PDP, however, said that a desperate situation requires desperate action.
READ ALSO: Rivers LG Poll: Fubara To Swear In Newly Elected Chairmen By 4:00 Today
According to him, what his administration did with the support of the people was to salvage the local government councils.
He said he would not go in the ways of his opponent by being confrontational to protect the assets of the state and cause a breakdown of law and order.
He advised the new chairmen to see themselves as servants and not emperors.
Speaking also at the swearing-in ceremony, Fubara said there are plans to perpetrate violence against the elected officials when they resume their duties on Monday.
The Rivers governor urged the officials to be “patient and calculative”.
He admonished them to see their election as an opportunity to work for the people at the grassroots level.
“I’m aware that they are mobilising 20 people per unit to go and confront you tomorrow when you resume in your local government headquarters,” Fubara said.
“Please if they are coming with violence, avoid them.
“The peace of this state is too important to us. Everybody knows what they are planning but please I want to beg everyone to follow my approach.
“At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculative. We have made our promises to our people. We are going to lead them to the promised land.”
The Rivers governor said the controversy surrounding the Rivers LGA elections is effectively over.
He said the local government areas need development and charged them to work for the people who are the real political structure.
Earlier on Sunday, RSIEC issued certificates of return to the newly elected local government chairmen.
READ ALSO: Don’t See Yourself As Emperors, Fubara Tells 23 Newly Sworn-In LG Bosses
Meanwhile, former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hailed the people of oil rich Rivers State for being steadfast in the face of adversity and resolute in rejecting oppression.
He made this comment on the back drop of the recently concluded recently concluded LG election in the state.
Reacting to the outcome in a subtle jibe at Nyeaom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Atiku commended the people of the oil-rich state for “their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.”
The full statement reads;
“With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the State.
“From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy.
“As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.
“As I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government leaders, I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour and shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours.
“Moreover, I commend the resilient people of Rivers State for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.
“I must also applaud Governor Fubara, @SimFubaraKSC, for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.
“In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process” he wrote on his official X platform.
In a deft political maneuvering a few of Wike’s loyalists have emerged as LG Chairmen in a bid to weaken the influence of Wike in the state.
It was an election that generated a lot of controversy before its commencement over its legitimacy, however, the Action Peoples Party (APP) backed by the governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara emerged victorious sweeping 22 of the 23 LGAs.
READ ALSO: Rivers LG Elections: Shoot Me, Fubara Dares IGP Egbetokun, Accuses Him Of Taking Orders From Wike
In Akuku-Toru LG, Hon. Mrs. Tonye Oniyide-Briggs who served as Commissioner for culture and tourism under former Gov Wike emerged winner.
In Obio/Akpor, Wike’s LG, Chijioke Ihunwo who served as Caretaker Committee Chairman also emerged victorious.
In Degema – Harry Agiriye a former permanent secretary also won a chairmanship position.
Meet the winners;
Abua/Odual – Vincent Reuben Obu
Ahoada-East – Chibudom Ezu.
Ahoada-West – Iyekor Ikporo.
Akuku-Toru – Hon. Mrs. Tonye Oniyide-Briggs (served as Commissioner for culture and tourism under former Gov Wike).
Andoni – Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile.
Asari-Toru – Sule Amachree.
Bonny – Dame Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox (re-elected)
Degema – Harry Agiriye (former permanent secretary)
Eleme – Brain Gokpa (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
Emohua – David Omereji (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
Etche – Uzodinma Nwafor, candidate of the Action Alliance (AA)
Gokana – Monday Dumiye
Ikwerre – Isreal Abosi
Khana – Martins Nwigbo
Obio/Akpor –Chijioke Ihunwo (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni –Prince Isaac Umejuru (served as Commissioner for Urban Development under Gov. Fubara)
Ogu/Bolo – Ishmael Oforibika
Okrika – Igwe Achese (Former NUPENG President)
Omuma – Promise Reginald (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
Opobo/Nkoro – Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Re-elected)
Oyigbo – Gift Okere (former leader of the All Progressives Congress)
