Rivers State Governor Siminalai Hubala on Sunday urged newly elected Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen to adopt his governance approach, stressing patience and strategic action in their new roles. .
At a swearing-in ceremony held at his official residence in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Mr Hubala declared that the controversy over the recent Rivers State House of Assembly elections is effectively over.
The Action People’s Party (APP) won in 22 municipalities, while the Action Alliance (AA) secured victory in one municipality.
Hubala warned the newly sworn officials of possible violence against them when they resume their duties on Monday. He called on the chair to act calmly and calculatingly in the face of any conflict.
“I understand that there are plans to mobilize 20 people from each unit to confront you once you return to the local government headquarters,” he said.
“If they come with violence, avoid them. Peace in this country is very important to us. We all know what they are planning, but I recommend you follow my approach. I will.”
Tomihara encouraged officials to be patient, saying, “If we are patient and calculated at the right time, we will definitely win. We have fulfilled our promise to our people and we are committed to leading them to the promised land.” I am doing my best.”
Elections were held yesterday amid gunshots, bomb explosions and protests in some parts of the state.
This development, which did not fall short of pre-election expectations, left many residents anxious, especially as police presence was kept to a minimum at all polling stations.
The Sunday Vanguard observed that despite fears of violence spreading across the 23 local government areas, the Rivers Municipality, turnout appeared to be significant. In many of the areas being monitored, the exercise began early without police presence following the provision of classified and unclassified materials by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Police previously said they were not providing security during voting due to a court order barring police and other security agencies from providing security during voting. A Federal High Court in Abuja had restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter list to RSIEC. The Inspector General of Police and the State Department of Defense Services (DSS) also ceased providing security for the exercise.
The issue has pitted the camps of Governor Siminary Hubala and Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leading to heightened tensions in the state. However, RSIEC said it had been receiving copies of the voter rolls from INEC since last year.
Earlier, Wike’s supporters staged a protest against the election in Port Harcourt.
