The political battle in Rivers State intensifies as the PDP warns security agencies to halt local government elections scheduled by Governor Fubara, citing a court ruling. The clash between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike highlights a deepening rift within the party.
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated its confrontation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that it will take matters into its own hands if security agencies do not prevent the scheduled Local Government elections from taking place. This comes after the state government, led by Governor Fubara, allegedly ignored a court ruling that halted the election, further intensifying a political clash that has been brewing between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
At the heart of the political turmoil is a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his erstwhile ally-turned-opponent, Wike, as both factions battle for control of the PDP in Rivers State. Wike, whose influence still looms large in the state, is seen as the mastermind behind the PDP’s push to suspend the October 5 local government elections. On the other side, Governor Fubara’s camp has maintained its intention to move forward with the elections, despite a court ruling and the threat of political unrest.
On Thursday, PDP’s State Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, led a protest alongside party loyalists and supporters of Wike. They delivered protest letters to security agencies, urging them to enforce the Federal High Court’s ruling from September 30, 2023, which ordered the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to halt the elections. The protest, staged at the PDP secretariat on Aba Road before marching to the Department of State Services (DSS) and Rivers State Police Command Headquarters, underscored the deep divisions within the party.
Chukwuemeka, addressing the security agencies, warned that failure to stop the elections could plunge the state into chaos. “If security agencies fail to act, we, the PDP, will ensure that the elections do not take place,” he asserted. Chukwuemeka emphasized the party’s dedication to the rule of law, referencing the court order that barred RSIEC from conducting the election and instructed INEC not to provide voter registers.
He stated, “No man is bigger than the law. We, as a party, will not participate, and if this election is forced through, it could lead to a crisis. We will not stand idly by if the law is disrespected.”
The faceoff between Governor Fubara and Wike has left the PDP divided, with both factions vying for dominance. Wike, known for his aggressive political maneuvers, is determined to curtail Fubara’s influence, while the governor insists on proceeding with the elections, possibly as a means to solidify his control over local government councils.
Addressing the protesters, Deputy Commissioner of Police Adepoju Olugbenga assured them that their concerns would be passed on to the appropriate authorities. Meanwhile, heavy security was deployed at the PDP secretariat, reflecting the growing tensions surrounding the upcoming election.
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