Rivers LG Poll: The Negative Consequences of Wike's Kinsmen Obeying Him Not to Participate
By Wisdom Tide
October 5, 2024
The recently concluded local government elections in Rivers State have brought to the fore the damaging consequences of certain political actors choosing to abstain from participating. This article explores the implications of former Governor Nyesom Wike’s influence over his kinsmen in Rivers State, urging them to boycott the local government elections, and the broader impact on governance and development in the state.
The Role of Good Governance Advocates and Criticism of the Police
Prominent advocates for good governance have raised concerns over the conduct of the Nigerian Police and the actions of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister during the Rivers State local government polls. According to Comrade Edison Ibianga, a leader in the fight for transparency and good governance, the police attempted to frustrate the successful conduct of the election.
Despite these efforts, Ibianga noted that the local government elections in Rivers State proceeded peacefully. He condemned both the Nigerian Police and the factions loyal to Wike who heeded his call to abstain from the electoral process. In his view, their decision to stay away was not only a disservice to democracy but a betrayal of the people they claim to represent.
Ibianga emphasized, “It is a shame on the Nigeria Police and those local governments that followed Wike’s advice to boycott the elections. By refusing to participate, they have deprived their communities of legitimate leadership and, by extension, the possibility of development.
"The Danger of Leaving Local Governments Without Elected Officials
One of the most significant consequences of this boycott is the effect it will have on local governance and development. Local government areas (LGAs) that do not have duly elected chairmen and councillors will face an administrative vacuum. These areas will be deprived of representation, with no one to advocate for their interests in the distribution of state or federal resources.
Comrade Ibianga was clear in his critique: "Any LGA that does not have a chairman and councillors effectively deprives its people of development. Meanwhile, the LGAs that have elected officials will continue to receive their allocations, leaving those who abstained from the process at a disadvantage. So, who is fooling who?"
This situation raises questions about the true intentions of those who decided not to participate. While their actions might have been motivated by political loyalty to Wike, they have, in effect, deprived their own communities of progress.
The True Sons and Daughters of Rivers: Proving the Naysayers Wrong
Despite the absence of certain political actors in the election, the people of Rivers State demonstrated their commitment to democracy by ensuring that the elections were conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. The process was free from the violence and manipulation that often plague local elections, particularly in areas where political actors seek to impose their will through coercion and intimidation.
"The true sons and daughters of Rivers have proved the troublemakers wrong," Ibianga remarked. "We have shown that we can conduct a credible election without the involvement of those who think the state belongs to them. The successful conduct of this election without them is a testament to the resilience of our people and their commitment to good governance."
This outcome sends a powerful message to the rest of Nigeria: elections can be free, fair, and peaceful when the people are determined to safeguard their democratic processes. Moreover, it exposes the role that certain actors, including the police, have played in undermining the credibility of elections in the past.
According to Ibianga, "Nigerians now know that it is often the police, under the influence of political paymasters, who use their guns to rig elections. Without their interference, the state government, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), can conduct free and fair elections.
"Governor Fubara: A True Son of Rivers
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has emerged as a key figure in this unfolding political narrative. His leadership during the election has earned him widespread praise for standing firm against the forces that sought to undermine the process. In facilitating a smooth and transparent election, Governor Fubara has sent a clear signal to those who have long considered Rivers State their personal political playground.
Fubara’s administration has made it clear that the era of one-man dominance in Rivers politics is over. His ability to organize an election that was not only credible but also devoid of violence or significant irregularities is a victory for democracy in the state.
"Governor Fubara has demonstrated that he is a true son of Rivers State," Ibianga declared. "He has shown that the people, not a few individuals, hold the power in Rivers politics. His actions have sent a strong message to those who think the state belongs to them.
"The Fall of the Defectors: A Failed Political Gambit
In the wake of the local government elections, Comrade Ibianga also took aim at the 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). These lawmakers, who had hoped to leverage their political shift to frustrate the election process, now find themselves on the losing side of history.
Having abandoned their mandate in a bid to serve the interests of political actors in Abuja, these defectors are now facing the consequences of their actions. The election has not only exposed their political miscalculations but also left them without significant influence in the state.
Comrade Ibianga was unapologetic in his criticism: “These lawmakers who defected to the APC have lost their place in the Assembly. They were used as pawns to protest against the local government election, and they have failed woefully, along with their paymasters in Abuja. Shame on them."
The political consequences for these lawmakers are likely to be far-reaching. By choosing to align themselves with external forces rather than the people of Rivers State, they have alienated their constituents and jeopardized their political futures.
Conclusion: The Future of Governance in Rivers State
The recently concluded local government election in Rivers State represents a turning point in the state's political landscape. The decision of some actors to abstain from the process, under the influence of former Governor Wike, has had serious implications for governance and development in the affected local government areas. However, the peaceful and credible conduct of the election has proven that the people of Rivers are capable of charting their own course, free from the interference of political actors who do not have their best interests at heart.
Governor Fubara's leadership during this election has further solidified his position as a champion of democracy in Rivers State, while the defectors and those who chose to abstain find themselves increasingly marginalized.
As Rivers State moves forward, the lessons from this election will serve as a reminder that true democracy belongs to the people, and that good governance can only thrive when political actors prioritize the interests of the people above their own ambitions.
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