Rivers LGA Polls: Wike’s Sabotage Attempts Fail, APC Leads The Way

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – October 2, 2024: The Rivers State Local Government elections, scheduled for this Saturday, October 5th, 2024, have been marred by controversy, with former Governor Nyesom Wike and his PDP faction accused of attempting to disrupt the proceedings.

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a prominent APC leader and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct nPDP, has condemned Wike’s alleged plot to use his influence within the Tinubu administration to sabotage the elections.

He claims Wike and his allies orchestrated a series of schemes, including barricading the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office with security personnel to prevent the elections from taking place.

However, Eze claims that these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful, with security agencies choosing to collaborate with RSIEC for a smooth poll following a Federal High Court ruling.

In his ruling, Justice I. P. C. Igwe directed RSIEC to carry out the LGA elections as planned, effectively thwarting Wike’s attempts to derail the democratic process.

“Wike’s actions, combined with the factional PDP leadership’s decision not to participate, demonstrate their cowardice and fear of defeat,” Eze stated.

“Wike’s rigging machinery has been grounded, demonstrating his irrelevance in Rivers State politics.”

Eze also praised the APC, led by Chief Emeka Beke, for taking part in the elections, citing its participation as a stark contrast to the actions of the PDP faction.

He referred to Tony Okocha, who has been embroiled in controversy, as a “imposter,” emphasising the APC’s adherence to democratic principles.

“The APC has demonstrated their commitment to a democratic process by taking part in these elections,” Eze stated.

“They have demonstrated to the people of Rivers State that they are the party of the people and the future of the state.”

Looking ahead, Eze urges Rivers people to band together and “completely recover the political structure and governance of their State from the hand of a draconian, stone-age slave master.”

He expressed his desire for a smooth election and urged voters to conduct themselves peacefully and follow electoral guidelines.

Eze praised RSIEC for creating a level playing field for all participating political parties, emphasising that this approach promotes a more inclusive and democratic environment.

The results of the Rivers LGA elections will be closely watched as a gauge of political power in the state and a potential indicator of Wike’s declining influence.