Rivers LG Elections Must Hold On Saturday – Atiku

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has stated his support for Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, insisting the local government elections in the stste must hold om Saturday.

Atiku stated this on Friday on the eve of the election following controversy trailing the conduct of the polls.

The Rivers state chapter of the PDP had warned the governor against going ahead with the polls after the Federal High Court in Abuja had barred the police from providing security during the exercise.

Attempts by the police and miscreants to take over the office of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) in Rivers on Friday morning to derail the polls failed after Fubara stormed the office with members of his executives and federal and state lawmakers.

The governor vowed to go ahead with the exercise warning the police against interference.

Atiku aligned with the PDP National leadership which also insisted the election must go ahead.

He said the elections provide an opportunity for people at the grassroots to exercise their franchise and choose those closest to them.

The former vice president said the elections stand as a beacon of hope, offering renewed vigour to constitutional democracy at the very core of governance.

These elections, he said “present an opportunity to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, breathing life into the foundational principles of our republic.

“Undoubtedly, this election resounds as a powerful affirmation of constitutionalism and the rule of law, a cause that should rally the support of all true champions of democracy.

“It is a call to every believer in the democratic process to stand firm in defence of the people’s right to choose their leaders freely and fairly.”

He commended Fubara “for his courageous leadership in ensuring local government elections are held in Rivers State.

“I also encourage every resident to embrace their civic duty with peace and purpose as they cast their votes, selecting those who will lead at the grassroots level.

“It is my unwavering conviction that the democratic process is sacred, and through it, the people must be empowered to shape their future by choosing their leaders in every local community,” Atiku said in a statement he personally signed.