By 9jaeye 
Rivers State’s political scene is heating up as Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, fiercely compete for control of the upcoming local government elections. Set for October 5, 2024, this election has become a crucial battleground for grassroots dominance, with both camps pushing their agendas.
Fubara’s Defiance Amid Opposition
Governor Fubara remains determined to hold the elections despite mounting resistance from Wike’s supporters. In response to court rulings and police involvement, Fubara has made it clear that nothing will stop the election. He pointed out that, in line with the Supreme Court ruling, the local governments need democratically elected officials to avoid violating legal mandates. Moreover, Fubara has directly confronted what he sees as attempts to derail the process. For instance, when armed police officers arrived at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, Fubara personally intervened, accusing the Inspector General of Police of working with Wike to block the elections. He also boldly stated that only his death could stop the election.
Wike’s Legal and Political Challenge
Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), continues his efforts to block the elections. His camp, which includes prominent figures like Tony Okocha from the Rivers APC, has withdrawn from the elections, arguing that irregularities and breaches of due process have tainted the process. In addition, Wike’s team has taken legal action, securing a federal court ruling that has barred INEC from releasing the voters’ register and blocked security agencies from supporting the election.
The Stakes Are High
Both Fubara and Wike view this election as a referendum on their political strength. The tensions between the two have escalated, with protests in Port Harcourt and public confrontations on the rise. With these elections, Rivers State stands at a crossroads, as the outcome will determine which of these political heavyweights controls the state’s grassroots and, by extension, its future governance.
As the election day draws near, all eyes are on Rivers State, as both camps prepare for an intense showdown that could reshape the state’s political landscape.
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