Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, on Sunday evening presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 23 local government chairmen in the state. The ceremony came just hours after the chairmen were issued certificates of return by the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Adolphus Enebeli. The electoral umpire had characterised the elections as free, fair, and credible, praising the significant voter turnout despite various challenges. He commended the commitment of residents who participated in the electoral process.
Observers, including members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), state electoral body chairpersons, and representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, closely monitored the declaration of results. Enebeli noted the commission’s use of a bi-location principle to address its unique challenges during the elections.
Fubara, on his part, charged the newly elected executives to emulate his approach to governance and to be patient and calculative. He alleged there are plans by elements within and outside the state to brew violence but cautioned them to avoid such troubles.
He admonished the chairmen to see their election as an opportunity to work for the people at the grassroots level.
He said, “I’m aware that they are mobilising 20 people per unit to go and confront you tomorrow when you resume in your local government headquarters. Please if they are coming with violence, avoid them.
“The peace of this state is too important to us. Everybody knows what they are planning but please I want to beg everyone to follow my approach.
“At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculative. We have made our promises to our people. We are going to lead them to the promised land.”
At the event was the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum. He expressed his satisfaction with the successful execution of the local government elections, attributing the achievement to divine support during a challenging period.
Fubara reassured Governor Mohammed of his continuing commitment to the PDP during his address. He emphasised that urgent circumstances often require decisive actions and highlighted how his administration, with public backing, aimed to rejuvenate the local government councils.