Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has thrown his weight behind Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, regarding the planned local government elections in the state.
The election is billed for October 5 across the 23 LGAs of the state.
But the ongoing crisis in the state, which stems from the rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor, has made the election appear as a crucial test of grassroots influence.
On September 30, a federal high court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to RSIEC.
The court also barred the inspector-general of police and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the exercise.
On October 2, INEC said it had not released the voter register to RSIEC for the conduct of the election, in compliance with the verdict of the court.
On October 3, a crowd besieged the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt to protest against the planned election.
Despite these developments, Fibara has vowed to proceed with the poll, and declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays
In a post on his X page on Friday, Abubukar lauded Fubara for his courage, adding that the planned poll would stand as a “beacon of hope.”
He also described the scheduled election as a vital step towards revitalising Nigeria’s democratic system.
“The local government elections in Rivers State tomorrow stand as a beacon of hope, offering renewed vigour to constitutional democracy at the very core of governance,” he said.
“These elections present an opportunity to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, breathing life into the foundational principles of our republic.
“Undoubtedly, this election resounds as a powerful affirmation of constitutionalism and the rule of law, a cause that should rally the support of all true champions of democracy.
“It is a call to every believer in the democratic process to stand firm in defence of the people’s right to choose their leaders freely and fairly.
“I commend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, @SimFubaraKSC, for his courageous leadership in ensuring local government elections are held in Rivers State.
“I also encourage every resident to embrace their civic duty with peace and purpose as they cast their votes, selecting those who will lead at the grassroots level.
“It is my unwavering conviction that the democratic process is sacred, and through it, the people must be empowered to shape their future by choosing their leaders in every local community.”
