Thousands of Peoples Democratic Party supporters in Rivers State defied the heavy downpour yesterday, protesting the planned local government elections scheduled for October 5.
Led by state chairman Chukwuemeka Aaron, the protesters marched through Port Harcourt, voicing their displeasure over the upcoming poll.
*Protest Details*
– Gathered at the PDP secretariat along Aba Road as early as 7 am
– Proceeded to the Department of State Services office to lodge complaints
– Met with a DSS official
– Marched to the State Police Command Headquarters, chanting slogans in support of Minister Nyesom Wike
– “Under the rain, under the sun, we will follow Wike”
– “No election in Rivers State”
– Placards bore inscriptions like “RSIEC obey court order,” “Rivers State is not lawless,” and “Police and Army must not support RSIEC”
The PDP faction loyal to Wike, alongside the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress, withdrew from the October 5 poll, citing irregularities and lack of due process by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. However, the state APC faction led by Emeka Beke declared readiness for the election.
– Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared Thursday and Friday public holidays to enable voters to travel for the polls
– Independent National Electoral Commission denies releasing the 2023 voter register for the elections
The protests highlight the escalating tensions in Rivers State ahead of the local government elections.
