Rivers 2024: Game-Changing Local Government Polls and the Emergence of a New Political Era
By Wisdom Tide
October 5, 2024
The recently concluded Local Government elections in Rivers State have set the stage for a new political direction in the region. With the Action People's Party (APP) reportedly securing victory in 22 out of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and the possibility of winning the final LGA in Etche, the political dynamics in Rivers State appear to be shifting significantly. These results not only reflect a strong showing for the APP, a party aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, but they also indicate a waning influence of the once-dominant political figures from the federal capital.
Declining Influence of the Abuja Strongman
The election results suggest that the political hold of prominent figures based in Abuja, previously seen as powerful influencers in Rivers State, may be diminishing. The so-called "Abuja strongman," who once wielded significant sway over the state's political affairs, is seemingly losing his grip. This shift signals the emergence of a new era in which local political actors, particularly those aligned with Governor Fubara, are gaining ground and establishing themselves as key players in the state's governance.
Governor Fubara's backing of the APP has proven effective, reinforcing his position within the state and weakening external influences that previously played a role in the political landscape. This development highlights the growing power of local leadership in shaping the future of Rivers State's political environment.
Lessons from the Election: The Role of Security Forces
One of the most notable aspects of the Rivers 2024 LG elections was the absence of heavy reliance on federal security forces, particularly the Nigeria Police, in ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process. In previous elections, concerns were raised about the undue influence of security operatives, often accused of facilitating election rigging on behalf of powerful political actors.
In contrast, this election was largely free from such interference, and the process was reported to be significantly more transparent and orderly. The absence of security forces believed to be aligned with federal interests contributed to a more open and democratic process. The results were clear: without the disruptive involvement of security operatives, the election was conducted more smoothly, reflecting the will of the people.
An Eye-Opener for Nigeria’s Election Conduct
The Rivers 2024 election serves as a crucial lesson for both the federal government and other states. It highlights the detrimental role that security forces can play in skewing election results and reinforces the importance of minimizing their involvement in the electoral process. The experience in Rivers State demonstrates that elections can be conducted more effectively and fairly when security forces are not used as tools for manipulation by political actors.
Moving forward, there is a need for electoral reforms that prioritize the integrity of the process and limit the influence of security agencies. By drawing inspiration from Rivers State's example, other states and the federal government can take steps toward ensuring more transparent, credible elections across the country.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Rivers Politics
The results of the Rivers 2024 LG polls mark a significant turning point in the state's political history. With the APP's dominant performance and the reduced influence of external political figures, Rivers State appears to be entering a new era of local governance. This election also provides valuable insights into the role of security forces in Nigeria’s elections, emphasizing the need for reforms to safeguard the democratic process in future elections
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