A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and Member of the House of Representatives member, Ikenga Ugochinyere has called on State governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to go to Rivers State and show support to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as he struggles against anti-democratic federal forces told Supreme Court-ordered local government election in the State today, Sataurday, October 5, 2024.
The lawmaker alleged that the right of Rivers people to vote is under attack from federal agents as the state prepares for its local government election this morning.
Writing on his X handle on Thursday, Ugochinyere described the action of police officers in the lead-up to the election as a ‘treasonable action.”
“Serious opposition Governors would have flown to Rivers State right now and been seen with Governor Fubara side by side as a show of strong solidarity,” he wrote.
“The right of Rivers people to vote is under attack from federal agents and you are drinking tea. Please stop making opposition look like jokers. Let the PDP and opposition Governors fly down to Rivers State, and boldly stand with Governor Fubara who has displayed great courage to defend democracy at all costs. Those at the gate of democracy in Rivers will soon launch attacks on your states, and what you do today can make or mar our democracy.
“The alleged failed attempt by police officers to run away with electoral materials for the LGA election is a treasonable action that requires strong condemnation and solidarity from opposition Governors. Show that you are indeed leaders of this party for once as not adults scared of pro-Wike’s group’s rantings. #Rivers LGA election is going on.”
Ugochinyere wrote as the Rivers State Governor himself insisted that today’s local government election in the State would go on with or without police security.
The Governor had stormed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Thursday night, following calls that some persons dressed in police uniform were trying to break into the strong rooms of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and foiled the alleged break-in.
He was later to accuse the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of bias, insisting that nothing will prevent the election from taking place in the state.
“I have to say this on a very strong note. We have been taking enough nonsense from this institution. Everybody is aware of the court’s judgment,” Fubara fumed.
“Did the ruling specify anywhere that the election should not be held? It (judgment) said don’t give voter register. What are we doing with it? Police, don’t provide security. Is it the same thing as blocking the election?
“I don’t know what the relationship between the inspector-general of police and one person who claims he has so much power in this state. I don’t know the relationship because it is beginning to go beyond the normal professional relationship.
“Did the judgment of the federal high court say election should be barred? Rather, it tactically said don’t provide (security). We don’t need your security. We will provide our security.
“After all, it happened in Anambra. Go away with your security. But this election must hold. Whatever you want to do, do it. The election will be held, results will be declared, and people will be sworn in.”
Fubara said the only thing that can stop the election is if he is shot.
