Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has commended Rivers State Governor Siminalai Hubala for not giving in to threats.
The PDP leader commended the governor while reacting to the just concluded local government elections in Rivers State.
Mr. Secondas said Mr. Hubala is demonstrating true leadership.
Mr. Secundus, through a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Ike Abonyi, on Wednesday praised Mr. Hubala for upholding democratic principles.
“Governor Tomihara has demonstrated true leadership by firmly maintaining democracy.
“His refusal to bow to threats is a testament to his dedication to our people and their future.”
The former PDP chairman also used the occasion to urge President Bola Tinubu to work closely with Governor Hubala to protect important national assets in Rivers State.
He stressed the importance of cooperation between the Federal Government and Rivers State given its strategic economic importance.
“He (Secondas) reminded the Federal Government of the strategic importance of Rivers State, which houses vital assets of the country.”
“Prince Secondus advised President Tinubu to work with Governor Hubala to protect these assets,” the statement read.
Nigeria’s democracy is sitting on a powder keg due to collusion – Secondus
Meanwhile, Mr. Secondus is sounding the alarm about the future of democracy in Nigeria.
Mr Secondus warned that rigging orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could destabilize the country’s political system.
Mr. Secondus, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja through his media adviser, Mr. Ike Aboni, said that what he described as the APC’s deliberate sabotage of democracy may prevent the 2027 elections from happening. expressed concern.
Secondus was reacting to the results of the recent Edo State governorship election, claiming that the election was marred by widespread fraud to ensure APC victory at all costs.
He cited disregard for electoral laws and disenfranchisement of voters as evidence of election fraud, claiming the ruling party had “murdered and buried” Nigeria’s democratic principles.
The former PDP chairman criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, pointing out similar irregularities in other off-cycle elections, including those held in Imo and Kogi states. .
Mr. Secondus accused INEC of showing no remorse for the flawed 2023 general elections, which he believes undermined Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
He also criticized APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje’s boast that the “template” of the Edo election would be replicated in the upcoming elections in Ondo and Anambra states, adding that the APC is seeking a one-party state. It suggested that he was pursuing a dangerous agenda of establishing a new government.
According to Secondus, the APC’s actions demonstrate their intent to silence voices of opposition and erode the checks and balances that democracy provides.
“The beauty of democracy is that it is a voice of dissent that helps keep the ruling party in check, but while the APC intends to condemn Nigeria’s mismanagement, it will not tolerate differences of opinion,” Secundus said.
“Democracy in Nigeria is sitting on a powder keg due to collusion. If the Edo elections pass, it will be difficult to hold future elections in Nigeria.”
He warned that the operations witnessed in Edo, characterized by harassment of opposition leaders and compromise of security agencies and election officials, set a troubling precedent for future elections.
“The world is watching the disgrace we bring to this beautiful form of government that other countries apply for their own stability and development,” Secondus said.
