Supporters of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), staged a peaceful protest on Saturday morning near the Polio Club in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Port Harcourt, voicing their opposition to the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State.
The protesters, primarily youths, gathered to declare that there was no legitimate council election happening in the state. The group, numbering around 100, stated they were abiding by the recent Federal High Court judgment from Abuja, which ordered the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from participating in the election.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Henry Bobmanuel explained, “As law-abiding citizens, we are not participating in the elections. We are here to tell the world that there is no local council election in Rivers State.”
Despite the protest, reports from The Guardian indicated that election materials were being distributed in various local government areas. By 8:45 a.m., materials had reached areas including Bonny, Obio-Akpor, Abua/Odual, Emohua, Ikwerre, Etche, and Port Harcourt City.
Voter accreditation was underway at Unit 6, Ward 5 in the Okomoko community of Etche. Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt City’s Ward 5, Units 9, 10, and 15, voters were waiting at polling units, although election materials had yet to arrive....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
In contrast, PHALGA Ward 18, Units 13, 14, and 15 reported timely delivery of materials, with voting concluding by 10 a.m.
In the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, polling units in Rumuibekwe and Rumuekini had no signs of elections by 9 a.m., with voters patiently awaiting the arrival of materials.
Buguma in the Asari-Toru Local Government Area witnessed a significant voter turnout, with the atmosphere remaining calm and peaceful. Shops in the area were closed, and police vans patrolled the state capital. Security vehicles were stationed near the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
While police officers were notably absent from polling units, other security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local security outfits were present to maintain order.
