Rivers Governor Regrets Party’s Decision to Boycott Local Government Election

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalyi Fubara, has expressed his disappointment and regret over the decision of his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to boycott the upcoming Local Government Election in the state. The election is scheduled to take place on October 5.

Fubara made the statement during a meeting with stakeholders of the party at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday. According to the governor, the election has to be held on Saturday to comply with the three months of grace given by the Federal Government to begin the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy.

In a candid admission, Fubara acknowledged that he is the "greatest loser" in this situation, as his party’s decision not to participate means that he will not be able to benefit from the election. However, he emphasized that as a governor, he has a duty to obey the law and ensure that the process is carried out smoothly.

The governor also appealed to residents of the state to participate in the election, emphasizing that only registered voters will be eligible to cast their ballots. He urged them to follow the process, be law-abiding, and avoid violence.

Rivers State joins a growing list of states across the country that are conducting local government elections. The election is seen as a crucial step in the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy, which aims to give more power to local governments and improve their financial autonomy.

Fubara’s comments come as the country prepares for a new era of democratic governance at the local level. As the governor of Rivers State, he is committed to ensuring that the process is carried out peacefully and transparently, and that the voices of the people are heard.