PDP to Wike: Challenge Election in Court If Dissatisfied, Fubara Remains Our Hero
October 9, 2024
By Wisdom Tide
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has responded to criticisms from Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, regarding the recent local government elections in the state. Wike had publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Siminalayi Fubara's decision to proceed with the elections, despite a court ruling, during an interview reported by Vanguard.
Wike's Criticism of the Election
Wike criticized Governor Fubara for holding the elections despite a court injunction. The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had previously ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) did not comply with the law by failing to provide the mandatory 90-day notice before scheduling the election. The court also prohibited RSIEC and other agencies from publishing voter lists or providing security for the election.
This ruling followed a lawsuit initiated by the state's All Progressives Congress (APC), which challenged the legality of the election process. Nonetheless, Governor Fubara went ahead with the election on Saturday, and candidates affiliated with his political faction, under the Action Peoples Party (APP), won 22 out of the 23 local government areas.
Wike expressed concern over what he perceived as a disregard for democratic principles, further linking the election controversy to Governor Fubara’s attempt to remove the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.
PDP Defends Fubara’s Actions
In response, the PDP issued a statement defending Governor Fubara and calling on Wike and his supporters to seek legal redress if they disagreed with the election outcome. Sydney Gbara, the PDP's Publicity Secretary, praised Fubara for standing firm in the face of opposition and emphasized that he had acted within the law.
"We understand that no court judgment can halt an ongoing electoral process," Gbara said. "If anyone is not satisfied with the conduct of the election, they should pursue the matter in court after the election has been conducted."
Governor Fubara Upholds Democracy
Gbara further highlighted that the local government election had been part of the peace agreement endorsed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023. He noted that Wike and his supporters had previously advocated for the election, even threatening impeachment if Fubara failed to hold it.
"It is surprising that now, when the RSIEC has issued a timetable and the election has been conducted, these same individuals are trying to stop the process," Gbara remarked. He criticized the inconsistency of Wike's camp, noting that they had once extended the tenure of local government chairmen, which was unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Fubara: A Champion of Legal Governance
Gbara reiterated that Governor Fubara’s actions were in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling that mandated the election of local government chairmen within 90 days, failing which the state would not receive federal allocations.
"Governor Fubara has done nothing wrong," Gbara stated. "He is simply following the Supreme Court’s directive. Anyone attempting to derail this process does not have the best interests of the people of Rivers State at heart."
The PDP spokesperson concluded by affirming that Governor Fubara remains a hero for safeguarding democracy in Rivers State, despite opposition from figures like Wike. "He will continue to be our hero for standing firm to ensure that democracy is upheld in our state," Gbara declared
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