Rivers LG Polls: Observers Blame Gov Fubara's Use Of Non-State Actors for Post-Election Violence

• Independent election observers have condemned the violence following Rivers State local government elections
• The Independent Election Monitoring Group (IEMG) criticized widespread irregularities, such as the lack of electoral registers and questionable results
• The IEMG called for a full investigation, the nullification of 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 Rivers State local government polls.

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

Legit.bg reports that the violence, which included arson attacks, occurred amidst allegations of election irregularities and a 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 the non-use of electoral registers, lack of election materials, and questionable declaration of results, The Nation reported.

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

Agabi stated:

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

“The post-election violence only serves to underscore the fragile state of Rivers’ political landscape.”

Group exnorates police in Rivers LG election crisis

While the report cleared the Nigerian Police of any misconduct, noting that law enforcement officers withdrew from the process following a Federal High Court ruling, it pointed a finger at Governor Fubara’s supporters for instigating 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 violent acts committed by Governor Fubara’s supporters reflect his determination to suppress opposition and dominate the political narrative in Rivers State.

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

Calls for indepth investigation and reforms

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

The group also called for federal security forces to be deployed 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 for political intimidation is not only reprehensible but could spiral into a larger conflict if left unchecked.

“Urgent steps must be taken to restore order, ensure accountability for these violent actions, and safeguard Rivers State’s democratic institutions.”

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BREAKING: Police break silence on Rivers crisis, tackle Gov Fubara

Rivers Assembly: Fubara orders lawyers to appeal judgement

In another development Legit.ng reported that Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, has taken decisive legal steps in response to the Appeal Court’s judgement in Abuja on Thursday, October 10.

The Governor instructed his legal team to file an appeal and a stay of execution, following the court's dismissal of his appeal concerning the defection of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Source: Legit.ng