Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State inaugurated 23 newly elected local government chairmen yesterday during a ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt. This swearing-in ceremony followed the grassroots elections conducted on Saturday by the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, attended the event and praised the successful elections, crediting the favorable outcome to divine guidance amid the state’s challenges.
In his address, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and stressed the urgent need to address local government issues. He emphasized that his administration, supported by the public, aims to revitalize local government councils. Fubara urged the newly sworn-in chairmen to prioritize public service and avoid authoritarian leadership, reminding them that their primary responsibility lies with the citizens who form the foundation of political power.
Earlier in the day, RSIEC presented certificates of return to the elected chairmen. The Action People’s Party (APP) emerged dominant in the elections, securing 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions. However, the results for Etche Local Government Area were temporarily withheld due to ongoing collation. Following the elections, RSIEC declared Uzodinma Nwafor of the Action Alliance (AA) as the winner for Etche LGA.
RSIEC Chairman Adolphus Enebeli announced that results for the 319 councillorship seats and the remaining chairmanship results for Etche will be released once the collation is completed. He described the elections as free, fair, and credible, noting a high voter turnout despite various challenges.
Observers from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), state electoral commission officials, and members of the Nigerian Bar Association closely monitored the electoral process. Enebeli further explained that RSIEC adopted a bi-location principle to address logistical challenges faced during the elections, ensuring a smooth electoral process.
