Tensions are rising in Rivers State as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the suspension of the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
The state chapter of the PDP, led by Aaron Chukwuemeka, has expressed serious concerns over the potential disregard of a court ruling that prohibits the elections from taking place.
The controversy stems from a Federal High Court judgment delivered on September 30, 2023, which ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) should not proceed with the local government council elections. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to provide a voter register for the elections, and instructed security agencies to refrain from participating.
On Thursday, PDP members loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Tony Okocha, staged a protest at the PDP state secretariat along Aba Road in Port Harcourt. The protesters demanded that the government respect the court ruling and suspend the upcoming elections.
Addressing the media after submitting protest letters to security agencies, PDP Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka warned that failure to suspend the election could lead to a breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.
“We are here to submit a petition to you from the Peoples Democratic Party, Rivers State,” Chukwuemeka said. “In that order, it was expressly stated that RSIEC should not go ahead with the election.”
Chukwuemeka emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law, reminding the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, that no one is above the law.
“We believe in justice and equity, and that is why we came to you,” he continued. “The governor and the RSIEC should obey that judgment.”
The PDP chairman warned that his party would not participate in the elections if they went ahead in violation of the court ruling. He added that the party would not stand by if the situation escalated into a crisis, urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent any potential violence.
The protesters, consisting of PDP members and APC loyalists, marched to the offices of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters to deliver their petition and express their concerns.
During the protest, Chukwuemeka highlighted the risks of allowing the elections to proceed. “If they go ahead with the election and it becomes a crisis, we as PDP will not fold our hands,” he said. The protesters held banners and chanted slogans, calling for respect for the court’s decision.
There was heavy security presence at the PDP secretariat and along the protest route, as the situation attracted widespread attention in Port Harcourt. Officers from the police and DSS monitored the protest to ensure that it remained peaceful.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adepoju Olugbenga, who received the petition on behalf of the security agencies. Olugbenga assured the protesters that their concerns would be communicated to the appropriate authorities.
“We have received your letter, and we will ensure it reaches the necessary hands,” he said, addressing the protesters.
The Federal High Court ruling that prompted this protest is seen as a major legal development in the lead-up to the local government elections in Rivers State. The court’s judgment not only halted RSIEC from conducting the election but also placed restrictions on INEC and security agencies from facilitating the process.
The court case was initiated by concerned political actors who argued that the election processes violated certain legal procedures. The court found merit in their case and ruled in their favor, creating a legal roadblock for the October 5 elections.
Despite this ruling, the state government appears intent on moving forward with the elections. The apparent defiance has drawn criticism from several quarters, with the PDP now leading the charge in demanding that the elections be suspended.
Rivers State, known for its vibrant political landscape, has long been a hotspot for political tension, particularly between rival factions within the PDP and the APC. The involvement of high-profile politicians such as Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, and Tony Okocha, a prominent APC figure, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Wike, a key political player in the state, has continued to wield significant influence even after leaving office as governor. His loyalists in the PDP remain a strong force within the state’s political scene. On the other hand, Tony Okocha’s faction within the APC has also been vocal, further contributing to the heightened political climate.
The call for the suspension of the local government elections reflects the ongoing power struggle between these political actors. The court ruling has become a focal point of contention, with the PDP and APC factions united in their demand for adherence to the law.
For the PDP, the issue goes beyond just the election—it is about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the government does not act in defiance of judicial decisions. Aaron Chukwuemeka stressed that the PDP’s stance is rooted in the party’s commitment to justice.
“No man is bigger than the law,” Chukwuemeka declared during the protest. “We as a party are not going to participate in any election that disrespects the court.”
The PDP’s call for suspension is a bold move, one that underscores their refusal to accept what they view as the state government’s disregard for legal rulings. Chukwuemeka’s leadership in delivering the petition highlights the party’s determination to prevent what they see as a dangerous precedent of lawlessness.
