•IPAC warns political traders to stay away from polls
Written by Daniel Abia, Davis Iheamunakor, Luminous Janamike
PORT HARCOURT—The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have joined forces to protest the local government elections scheduled for October 5 in the state.
This came after the inter-party advisory committee IPAC warned political traders not to interfere in the LG elections scheduled for October 5.
IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantar addressed journalists in Abuja yesterday, stressing the need to conduct elections without interference.
In Port Harcourt, the protest began at 7:45 a.m. with lawmakers and supporters from both parties gathering at the PDP secretariat near the popular Leventist Junction.
The protests are against Governor Siminalai Hubala’s insistence that the polls continue despite ongoing litigation, court orders and anti-court orders that have halted proceedings.
A Rivers State High Court has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide voters with their voter registrations to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conduct of the polls, and the L.G. Remember, we acknowledged the poll.
However, in a contradictory judgment, the Federal High Court restrained INEC from providing voter registration to RSIEC.
It would also be recalled that INEC said on Wednesday that it had not yet provided voter registration to RSIEC, but RSIEC disputed this and said it applied for and got registered to register before the court.
Rivers APC interim chairman Tony Okocha and PDP state chairman Chukwuemeka Aaron claimed the electoral process was tainted with illegality and their political parties would not participate.
However, Governor Nunohara remained resolute and declared the election to be “sacred” during a meeting with IPAC at the official residence on Wednesday.
The protests led by both parties proceeded towards Azikwe Street, chanting chants under heavy security presence and protection.
They marched to the state DSS office and Rivers Police Command to drop their protest notes.
IPAC warns political traders not to mess with Rivers LG poll
Meanwhile, citing concerns about the role of the judiciary in strengthening democracy, Mr. Dantar appealed to the new Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate and sanction erring judicial officials. Ta.
The council reiterated its proposal to the National Assembly to abolish the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) and make INEC oversee all local government elections.
He called on the Inspector General of Police and relevant security agencies to provide adequate security for the smooth conduct of the Rivers LG polls.
“Nigerians are united in the desire to promote sustainable democracy and development and will resist any attempt to destroy, truncate or destabilize our hard-won democracy,” IPAC said. Deaf,” he said. It is time for Nigerians to stand on the side of sustainable democracy.
“Elections are the essence of democracy, especially at the third tier of government, which is closest to the people. The election of the LG must be supported and encouraged by all those who support representative governance in Nigeria. It is time to deepen democracy at the LG level. Therefore, political parties in Nigeria will participate in the Rivers LG elections on Saturday, October 5th. This is the right of our citizens.
“For democracy to flourish, there must be a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates. The integrity of elections cannot be compromised for any reason. We support politicians, freelancers and employees who pursue their own ambitions. Elections cannot be canceled by the judiciary.
“To repeat this national nightmare at the LG election level, as seen in Rivers State where some reactionary forces are determined to block the elections scheduled for this weekend. would be unfair, unjust and unacceptable. Unfortunately, there have been controversial court orders against LG elections in the state and forum shopping by desperate politicians.
“The integrity of the judiciary as a temple of justice and a bulwark of democracy is at stake.The Rivers LG election will ensure that the judiciary is free from political influence and that the trust that Nigerians have in the judiciary is at stake. IPAC calls on the new CJN and the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, NJC, to conduct a thorough investigation and sanction the erring judicial officials. It will go a long way in restoring the tarnished image of the judiciary that handles level elections.
“The will of the people expressed on the ballot must be respected. All states that have not yet held LG elections should act quickly to do so. We will continue to deepen our roots and benefit long-suffering people who want and deserve the benefits of democracy to alleviate the economic hardships facing this country today.”
Among other things, the umbrella body for all political parties points out that the RSIEC ensures that elections are free, fair, reliable, transparent, peaceful and inclusive, and that political parties can submit their nomination forms. submitted, and emphasized that it complied with the guidelines.
