Rivers LG Polls: Observers Accuse Governor Fubara of Using Non-State Actors for Post-Election Violence

• Independent election observers have condemned the violence following local elections in Rivers State.
• The Independent Election Observation Group (IEMG) criticized widespread irregularities, such as the absence of voter lists and questionable results.
• The EIMG called for a thorough investigation, annulment of the results and the involvement of federal security forces to prevent further escalation.

Port Hacourt, Rivers State – Independent election observers have strongly condemned the violence that followed the recent local government polls in Rivers State.

They attributed the unrest to the involvement of supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and non-state actors.

Legitime.bg reports that the violence, which included arson, occurred amid allegations of election irregularities and disregard for court rulings.

In its preliminary report, the Independent Election Monitoring Group (IEMG) criticized the conduct of the elections, noting widespread irregularities such as non-use of voter lists, lack of election materials and questionable reporting of results, reported The Nation.

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At a press briefing, IEMG Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, stressed that Governor Fubara’s decision to move forward with the elections despite legal challenges and security warnings was a desperate attempt to consolidate the political power.

Agabi said:

“Governor Fubara’s insistence on holding these elections, despite multiple court rulings and concerns expressed by security agencies, was a clear display of desperation.

“The post-election violence only highlights the fragile state of the political landscape in Rivers. »

Group exnores police in Rivers LG election crisis

Although the report clears the Nigeria Police of any misconduct, noting that law enforcement officers withdrew from the process following a Federal High Court ruling, it points the finger at Governor Fubara’s supporters for incited to violence.

The report claims the governor’s loyalists engaged in acts of arson and intimidation to maintain political control.

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The report states:

“The acts of violence committed by supporters of Governor Fubara reflect his determination to suppress opposition and dominate political discourse in Rivers State.

“This has led to a total breakdown of law and order, which threatens both the democratic process and the security of the state. »

Calls for thorough investigation and reforms

The IEMG urged the federal government to launch a full investigation into the violence, recommending that the local election results be annulled.

The group also called for the deployment of federal security forces to prevent further escalation and suggested dialogue between Governor Fubara and opposition parties to restore peace.

The group said:

“The use of arson as a tool of political intimidation is not only reprehensible, but could escalate into a wider conflict if left unchecked.

“Urgent measures must be taken to restore order, ensure accountability for these violent actions and safeguard the democratic institutions of Rivers State. »

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BREAKING: Police break silence on Rivers crisis, attack Governor Fubara

Rivers Assembly: Fubara orders lawyers to appeal judgment

In another development Legitime.ng reported that the Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, took decisive legal action in response to the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday, October 10.

The governor has asked his legal team to appeal and stay the execution, following the court’s rejection of his appeal over the defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Source: Legit.ng