Independent observers have attributed the violence and arson that followed the recently concluded local government election in Rivers State to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s refusal to obey court judgement.
The controversial local government election was conducted on Saturday amid a court order, stopping law enforcement agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from taking part in the exercise.
Some stakeholders in the state, particularly those loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, opposed the election, insisting that the court order must be obeyed.
The election was, however, conducted amid a series of violent clashes, leading to the deaths of some unsuspecting citizens while a local government secretariat was also set ablaze.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Independent Election Monitoring Group declared that the election was marred by “widespread irregularities, including the lack of election materials and non-use of electoral registers,”
Addressing journalists, the executive director of the group, Dr Emmanuel Agabi, said: “The state’s political crisis will only worsen if urgent steps are not taken to restore order, accountability, and respect for democratic principles.
“The use of arson as a tool for political intimidation is not only reprehensible but dangerous, as it has the potential to escalate into broader conflict. If unchecked, this pattern of governance could erode what remains of democratic practice in Rivers State.
“It is therefore imperative that Governor Fubara and his administration give peace a chance by embracing dialogue, respecting court rulings, and adhering to democratic norms.
“For the future of Rivers State, and indeed Nigeria’s democratic experiment, it is crucial that stakeholders at all levels work together to address the deep-seated issues that have emerged from this election.”
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