House of Representatives member Ikenga Ugotinyere has called on state governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to quickly gather in Rivers State to show support for Governor Siminalai Hubala.
The lawmaker alleged that the voting rights of Rivers residents are under attack by federal agents as the state prepares for local government elections.
In a call Thursday using the handle X, he described police actions in the run-up to the election as “acts of treason.”
He said: “Governors who are seriously opposed will now fly to Rivers State and be seen alongside Governor Hubala in a strong show of solidarity.
“You are drinking tea while the voting rights of Rivers residents are under attack by federal agents. Stop making your opponents look like jokers.
“Let the PDP and opposition governors fly to Rivers State and boldly collaborate with Governor Hubala who has shown great courage to defend democracy at all costs.
“Those at the gates of democracy in Rivers will soon launch an attack on your state and what you do today could make or damage our democracy.
“The incident in which a police officer allegedly tried and failed to flee with campaign materials for a local assembly election is an act of treason, and requires strong condemnation and solidarity from the opposition governor.
“For once, please show that you are truly the leaders of this party and not adults who are afraid of the abuse of pro-Wike groups. Rivers Local Government elections are underway.”
Hubala insists Rivers LG poll will stand
Recall that the governor on Thursday night stormed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), accusing the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of bias.
He asserted that there is nothing to prevent the next local government elections from being held in the state.
This came as he said he had received reports of alleged police interference in the electoral process.
His words were: “I have to say this with great feeling. We have received enough nonsense from this institution. We all know the court’s decision.
“Did it say somewhere in the judgment that elections should not be held? It (the judgment) said not to hand over the voter list. What are you doing with it? ?The police won’t provide security. Is that the same as blocking the election?
“I don’t know what kind of relationship there is between the Inspector General of Police and someone who claims to have so much power in this state. It’s starting to go beyond a normal working relationship, so I don’t know what the relationship is. I don’t know.
“Did the Federal High Court judgment say that elections should be prohibited? Rather, it says that tactically it does not provide (security). We do not need your security. We will provide you with.
“After all, it happened in Anambra. Be safe and leave. But this election has to be held. Do whatever you want. The election will be held and The results will be announced and people will be sworn in.”
Hubala said the only thing that could stop the election was if he was shot.
