‘Rivers people have rejected godfatherism’ — Atiku aims dig at Wike over LG election

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says the outcome of the local government elections in Rivers is a rejection of political oppression and godfatherism in the state.

The LGA election was held amid a lingering feud between Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, and Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers governor.

Adolphus Enebeli, chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), on Saturday declared the Action Peoples Party (APP) as the winner in 22 of the 23 LGAs in the state.

The Action Alliance (AA) was victorious in one local government.

The APP candidates who contested the election recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Fubara had directed them to defect to the APP to contest the election.

The PDP structure in Rivers is believed to be controlled by Wike, Fubara’s successor and former ally.

Wike had backed Fubara to win the 2023 governorship election but both politicians fell out barely a year later.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku — who fell out with Wike ahead of the 2023 general election — said the conclusion of the LG polls has paved the way for the pursuit of democratic governance to commence in the state.

“With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers state, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the state,” he said.

“From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy.

“As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.

The former vice-president congratulated the newly elected local government leaders, and urged them to “wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour and shun tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours”.

“Moreover, I commend the resilient people of Rivers state for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity,” Atiku said.

“I must also applaud governor Fubara for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.

“In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process.”