Tensions Rise in Rivers State as Protests Erupt at PDP Secretariat Ahead of Local Government Election

Protests erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, as tensions rise ahead of the Local Government election scheduled for October 5, 2024. The protesters, who arrived in large numbers, forced security operatives to step in to control the crowd and manage traffic congestion in the area.

The unrest follows growing concerns over the delay in the release of the 2023 Voters’ Register by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ruled on September 30, 2024, barring INEC from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC due to legal challenges.

Despite the court ruling, Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains confident that the election will proceed as planned. Fubara expressed confidence that the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling, which mandates that all states in the federation must have democratically elected local government executives, supports his position.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling is clear, and we will adhere to it,” Fubara stated. His assurance, however, has not quelled the concerns of protesters, who are demanding transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

The protesters’ concerns are heightened by the significance of the local government election, which is crucial for the state’s development. The delay in releasing the voters’ register has raised suspicions about the electoral process’s integrity.

Security operatives have been deployed to maintain order and prevent further unrest. Channels Television reported that the protesters forced security operatives to intervene to control the crowd and manage traffic congestion in the area.

The situation in Port Harcourt remains tense, with a heavy police presence in the area. The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and his entourage have been on the ground to ensure peace is maintained.