Rivers LG Election: A Landmark in Credibility and Peace – APP Chairman
By Wisdom Tide
October 5, 2024
The Chairman of the Action People's Party (APP), Mr. Victor Okoye, has hailed the recently concluded Local Government elections in Rivers State as the most peaceful and credible in the state's history. This statement, reported by TVC News, marks a significant departure from the often turbulent elections that have previously characterized the political landscape in Rivers.
Free and Fair Elections Without Malpractice
In his address to the press following the elections, Mr. Okoye emphasized that the polls were devoid of violence and electoral malpractice. He highlighted the orderly manner in which the elections were conducted, celebrating it as a milestone in the state’s democratic journey.
“The Rivers State Local Government election is by far the most peaceful and credible poll in the history of our democracy,” Okoye remarked during a TVC interview on October 5, 2024. “The election was conducted in an orderly manner, without the usual violence, and the people exercised their right to vote without intimidation.”
High Voter Turnout and Smooth Conduct
The elections took place across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, witnessing a significant voter turnout and participation from multiple political parties. The peaceful atmosphere was widely acknowledged by observers, stakeholders, and political actors.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) received praise for its role in ensuring a transparent and smooth election process. Notably, there were no reported incidents of violence or disruption, an outcome that has been lauded by both the government and the opposition, highlighting a growing political maturity in the state.
Civil Society Groups Commend Election Process
Civil society organizations and election monitoring bodies also took note of the success of the elections. In a joint statement, the Nigeria Election Monitoring Group (NEMG) and the Civil Rights Advocacy Coalition (CRAC) commended RSIEC and the security forces for their professionalism. The groups acknowledged the improvements in the electoral process, which they believe will foster greater confidence in future elections among the electorate.
Governor Wike Applauds Peaceful Election
Governor Nyesom Wike, who had earlier called for a peaceful and credible poll, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election. In a post-election address, the governor highlighted the peaceful nature of the exercise as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to good governance and transparency.
Governor Wike urged both winners and losers to accept the election outcomes gracefully and to continue fostering peace in the state. “This election is a testament to the progress we are making in promoting democracy and governance at the grassroots,” Wike said.
Security Efforts Ensure a Violence-Free Election
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) also confirmed the peaceful nature of the elections, attributing the success to the strategic deployment of security personnel across the state. Commissioner of Police Mustafa Abdullahi noted that the peaceful conduct of the elections was critical in strengthening democracy at the local government level.
“Elections like this are key to nurturing democratic values in the grassroots, and we are proud that this election was conducted without incident,” CP Abdullahi stated.
A New Standard for Democracy in Rivers State
As Rivers State looks forward, political analysts and citizens alike have commended the outcome of the local government elections as a positive step in consolidating democracy. The peaceful and credible nature of the polls is seen as a benchmark for future elections, setting a new standard for how elections should be conducted in Nigeria.
This successful electoral process, marked by transparency and peace, offers hope for further democratic advancements in the region and across the country.
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