Rivers LG Election: Ex-Presidential Candidate Calls for Peace, Unity

A former Presidential candidate of Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA), Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has called for caution, peace and unity in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Friday, she said her call is in view of the 2024 Local Government election scheduled for Saturday in Rivers State and the escalated tension in Port Harcourt.

Adesanya-Davies, who also is the Country President of United-Nations Positive Livelihood Award Center (UN-POLAC) said the maintenance of peace, harmony and stability during this critical period in the State is essential.

Adesanya-Davies said: “The 2024 Rivers Local Government election is a crucial democratic exercise for the people of Rivers State, Nigeria. The election will determine leaders at the grassroots level, impacting development and governance.

“Thus, because of ongoing acrimony and unforseen circumstances, the Rivers State Governor, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara has declared Thursday, 3rd October and Friday, 4th October, 2024 as Public Holiday for Rivers Local Government election poll, while civil servants, pupils and students are to stay at home and resumed fully on Monday, 7th October, 2024.

“In Nigeria’s electoral landscape, recent developments have highlighted the need for peaceful and credible elections.”

She added: “These key concerns in include: Choice of Election Date: Agreement on when elections should hold especially where there have been pending cases, disagreement and dissatisfaction.

“Electoral Violence: Past elections have been marred by violence, disrupting the voting process and compromising the safety of citizens.

“Electoral Malpractices: Issues with stealing and snatching of ballots boxes, result transmission, voter disenfranchisement, and manipulation of electoral materials have undermined public trust.

“Post-Election Disputes: Disagreements over election outcomes which have led to social unrest and litigation.”

Adesanya-Davies appeals for caution, peace, and unity. She said the calk serves as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing the collective well-being of Rivers State citizens.

She added that by promoting peaceful coexistence and respect for the electoral process, stakeholders can ensure a free and fair election and the state and that Nigeria can find their peaceful haven.