Fubara: 3,4 October Public Holiday For LG Poll
Despite heavy downpour, thousands of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets of Port Harcourt in protest against the planned local government elections set to be conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5.
Led by the party’s state chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron, and a host of party chieftains, the protesters, brandishing placards, marched through the city, voicing their displeasure over the upcoming poll.
The march, which started at the PDP secretariat, proceeded to the Department of State Services (DSS) office where the protesters lodged their complaint.
The crowd swelled as the protesters made their way to the State Police Command Headquarters, chanting slogans of support for Minister Nyesom Wike.
After a brief meeting with police officials, the protesters dispersed, singing solidarity songs in support of Wike.
The PDP faction loyal to Wike and the APC faction led by Tony Okocha had withdrawn from the election, citing irregularities.
The conflicting views between the political parties and the state electoral commission over the legitimacy of the election has resulted in tension and uncertainty for the residents of Rivers State.
In response to the oppositions, Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to enable voters to travel to their local government areas for the polls.
Amidst this turmoil, the election scheduled for October 5 looms closer, with different parties and factions taking opposing stances on the issue, leaving the fate of the polls uncertain.
