The recent local government election in Rivers State has been criticized by Jake Epelle, Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, who described the process as a “democratic scam.” Epelle made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s program, The Morning Brief, on Monday.
According to Epelle, the election was conducted in an unconstitutional manner, despite being organized by a democratically elected government. He characterized the event as “unprecedented political manoeuvring” and a “sham.” Epelle emphasized that the election was “totally illegal and unconstitutional,” and expressed disappointment in the outcome.
The election in question took place on Saturday, and Epelle urged the people of Rivers State, particularly the youth, not to react violently to the results. He suggested that the authorities may have anticipated protests and were attempting to provoke a reaction. Instead, Epelle encouraged the public to remain calm and not fall into what he termed “their trap.”
Epelle’s criticism highlights concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of the electoral process in Rivers State. The issue has sparked debate about the state of democracy in the region and the need for transparency and accountability in government. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to these criticisms and what steps will be taken to address the concerns of the people of Rivers State.
The local government election in Rivers State is the latest in a series of events that have raised questions about the health of democracy in the region. Epelle’s comments have added to the ongoing discussion about the need for free and fair elections, and the importance of upholding democratic principles. As the people of Rivers State look to the future, they will be watching closely to see how the government responds to these concerns and works to restore trust in the electoral process.
