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Clark hails Tinubu, Fubara over Peaceful Rivers State LG polls

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Siminalayi Fubara and Bola Tinubu

***The peaceful conduct without police is record breaking

In a major commendation, elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the Rivers State local government elections held on October 5, 2024. Despite the absence of police presence, the elections were successfully conducted without incidents of violence or disruption.

Chief Clark highlighted the significance of the peaceful elections, contrasting it with the high-cost, security-heavy governorship election in neighboring Edo State. 

He called on the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to study this development as a model for reducing election expenses nationwide.

He congratulated the newly elected chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors while also commending the people of Rivers State for their maturity and patriotism in conducting a peaceful election. 

Chief Clark expressed his hope that this peaceful conduct will be replicated across Nigeria.

The statement reads,

“I join millions of Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State in expressing gratitude to God for the successful, transparent, and peaceful local government elections held in Rivers State on Saturday, 5th October 2024. 

“It is heartwarming to note the large voter turnout, demonstrating the commitment of the citizens to their democratic rights.

“This achievement, in spite of the deliberate absence of the police during the elections, shows that the people of Rivers State—and indeed Nigerians—are mature and patriotic enough to conduct elections without the overbearing presence of security forces.

 “This stands in contrast to past elections, where significant public resources were expended on deploying security agencies, particularly the police, to oversee the process.

“It is remarkable that such a large-scale election could be conducted fairly, credibly, and peacefully without the loss of life or property. This contrasts sharply with the recent gubernatorial election in Edo State, where over 40,000 police officers were deployed at great cost, leading to numerous complaints and legal disputes.

“I call on the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to thoroughly study this development, as it may offer insights on how to reduce the high cost of elections in Nigeria.

“My heartfelt congratulations go to all the newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors of the Local Government Councils in Rivers State. Their success is a testament to the confidence that the people have in them.

“I also commend His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for the excellent arrangements that enabled the peaceful conduct of the elections. 

“My thanks also go to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for ensuring that the security agencies allowed the electoral process to unfold without unnecessary interference.

“This peaceful election should be a source of pride for all patriotic Nigerians, particularly in the face of efforts by unpatriotic elements to derail the process. 

“It is regrettable that some members of respected national institutions, such as the Nigerian Police, almost succumbed to these undemocratic plots.

“As we move forward, I urge the people of Rivers State to embrace peace and development. The political crises that have troubled the state over the past year have not been driven by ethnicity, but by the age-old struggle between good and evil, truth and lies. 

“It is time to put the past behind and work together for a brighter future.

“At the age of 98, I remain committed to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. I hope that the peaceful conduct of the Rivers State elections will serve as a model for other states, with minimal security involvement and without unnecessary intrigue or interference.”

Rivers

Supreme Court Dismisses Gov. Fubara’s Suit Against 27 Pro-Wike Lawmakers, Awards N4m in Costs

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Siminalayi Fubara

In a significant legal blow to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed his suit seeking to unseat 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The lawmakers were accused of defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The dismissal came after Fubara’s lead counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), surprisingly withdrew the appeal, citing that “events have overtaken the matter” and describing the lawmakers as “our friends,” hinting at a possible reconciliation.

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), representing the lawmakers and Speaker Martin Amaewhule, did not oppose the withdrawal but urged the court for an outright dismissal, arguing that both parties had already filed and exchanged legal briefs.
The three-man panel, led by Justice Musa Uwani-Aba-Aji, agreed and dismissed the suit, awarding N4 million in costs against Governor Fubara to be paid to the Assembly and its Speaker.

This ruling solidifies the legal standing of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, who have been at the center of a political crisis in Rivers State. Addressing journalists after the court session, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ken Njemanze, stated that the decision clears the path for the lawmakers to fully reclaim their legislative powers.
“All actions taken by Governor Fubara, including the presentation of the 2024 and 2025 budgets to just three lawmakers, are now null and void,” Njemanze said.
This Supreme Court decision follows a series of earlier defeats for Fubara. In October 2024, the Court of Appeal dismissed a similar appeal, and in January 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, nullified the passage of the state’s N800 billion 2024 budget by four lawmakers loyal to Fubara, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional.

Justice Omotosho had also criticized Fubara’s actions, including the partial demolition of the Assembly complex and withholding of legislative funds, calling them tyrannical. The judge ordered the governor to re-present the budget to the Amaewhule-led Assembly and restrained him from interfering with the lawmakers’ duties.
With this Supreme Court ruling, the political dynamics in Rivers State are set to shift dramatically, as the pro-Wike faction tightens its grip on the legislative arm, further complicating Governor Fubara’s administration.

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Rivers PDP Crisis Deepens as Court Nullifies Pro-Wike Congresses

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The political landscape in Rivers State has taken another dramatic turn, as the State High Court invalidated the July 2024 congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), organized by allies of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The court, presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, declared the congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels void from inception, citing their non-compliance with legal orders.
The ruling further complicates the ongoing internal struggles within the PDP, exacerbated by the refusal of Wike’s faction to honor a court injunction halting the process.
The controversial congresses produced Chukwuemeka Aaron, a known Wike loyalist, as state party chairman, leaving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters on the sidelines.

The congresses, endorsed by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) but opposed by the PDP Governors’ Forum, sparked a rift that saw Governor Fubara’s faction abandoning the party entirely. They defected to the Action Peoples Party (APP), where they participated in the October 5, 2024, local government elections, marking a significant realignment in Rivers State politics.

The G-60 group in the House of Representatives, through its spokesperson Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo), dismissed the congresses as an illegitimate gathering orchestrated by Wike for his loyalists. “It was nothing more than a jamboree with friends,” Ugochinyere remarked, adding that the process undermined the party’s integrity.
Amidst the fallout, the PDP in Rivers State is yet to officially respond to the judgment. Publicity Secretary Kenneth Yorwika confirmed that the party was reviewing the court decision, leaving its next course of action uncertain.
The court ruling and subsequent fragmentation of the PDP underscore deep-seated divisions within the party, raising questions about its ability to maintain cohesion ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The decision also serves as a blow to Wike’s influence in Rivers State, potentially altering the state’s political dynamics.

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Jonathan to Fubara: Political Battles Will Make You a General

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara that the political challenges he is currently facing will ultimately strengthen him as a leader.
Jonathan made this remark on Sunday at the Etche Festival of Food, Art, and Culture in Nihi Community, Etche Local Government Area, during the 10th anniversary of the coronation of Eze Nwala, the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo-Umuselem.

Jonathan, who was also honored with the chieftaincy title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche, urged Rivers residents to stand by Fubara, emphasizing that adversity is part of leadership.
“Nobody becomes a general without fighting battles,” Jonathan said. “These challenges are shaping you, and with the support of the people and God’s guidance, you will emerge stronger.”

The former president warned that unrest in Rivers State, the heart of the Niger Delta, could have far-reaching effects on the nation’s economy.
He called for peace, noting that political offices are temporary. “Allow the governor to fulfill his mandate. After his tenure, others will have their turn,” Jonathan added.
Jonathan praised the agricultural contributions of Etche, calling it the “food basket of the state,” and commended Eze Nwala for a decade of impactful leadership. Eze Nwala reflected on his reign, highlighting milestones in the development of Etche land.
Governor Fubara, who was conferred with the title Dike Oha 1 of Etche by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers, expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the Etche and Ikwerre people.
He pledged to continue delivering developmental projects, including ongoing road reconstructions in Egwi, Afara, and Mba communities.

“Your support means everything to me, and I am committed to justifying the trust you have placed in me,” Fubara said.
He also thanked Jonathan for his mentorship and steadfast support during difficult times.

The event underscored the cultural richness of the Etche people and reinforced the call for peace and unity in Rivers State amid political tensions.

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