The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his recent comments regarding the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State.
During an interview on Channels TV, Wike expressed dissatisfaction with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for proceeding with the election, despite a court ruling.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, led by Justice Peter Lifu, had previously ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) failed to issue the required 90 days’ notice before scheduling the election.
Consequently, the court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register and prohibited the police and Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the election.
This ruling came after the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenged RSIEC’s decision to hold the election on October 5.
Nevertheless, the election proceeded on Saturday under Governor Fubara’s directive, with candidates from the Action Peoples Party (APP), loyal to Fubara, winning 22 out of 23 local government areas (LGAs).
However, violent clashes erupted between supporters of Wike and Fubara, with arsonists allegedly linked to Wike setting fire to the Ikwerre LGA secretariat.
Wike, reacting publicly to the controversies, accused Governor Fubara of undermining Nigerian democracy by defying the court’s ruling.
He also attributed the ongoing crisis to Fubara’s attempts to remove the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.
In response, the Rivers State PDP urged Wike and his supporters to seek legal redress if dissatisfied with the election.
Sydney Gbara, PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers, noted that no court judgment could stop an election and that legal action should be taken after the fact.
He further praised Governor Fubara for upholding the electoral process, describing him as a “hero” for ensuring that democracy prevails in Rivers State.
