….Says Election Will Hold
Sam Philip
In less than 24 hours to the local council election in Rivers State, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned that the police and All Progressives Congress(APC) not to disrupt the Saturday poll in the state.
It also informed that Nigerians and the International Community should hold APC and the Inspector General of Police of the federation responsible if there’s breakdown of Law and Order in Rivers State on Saturday.
PDP, therefore, urged the people of the state to troop out on Saturday to perform their civic right.
A statement by spokesman to PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, emphasised that the people of Rivers State were ready for Saturday election.
He said: “The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had also announced its readiness, preparedness and possession of necessary operational materials to conduct the election in line with the pronouncement of the Supreme Court. and NO COURT under the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) has power to stop elections.
“For avoidance of doubt, Section 84(15) of the Electoral Act, 2022 provides that ‘Nothing in this section shall empower the courts to stop the holding of primaries or general elections, under the Act pending the determination of a suit.
“The reported invasion of RSIEC facilities by Police operatives allegedly to frustrate the conduct of the election is a direct affront to our democracy and the Rule of Law; an attempt which was firmly resisted by the people of Rivers State who are resolute to express their Will at the poll.
“The Police and the APC should note that the people of Rivers State are peace-loving and law-abiding but will never allow anybody by whatever means to stifle, abridge, appropriate or subvert their Will especially in choosing who governs them, particularly at the Local Government level.
“The Inspector General of Police should note that he is duty bound under the Constitution to provide the enabling and secure environment for the smooth conduct of the Rivers State Local Government Area election irrespective of where he stands as an individual. Duty calls on him to act professionally in the overall interest of our hard-earned democracy and the stability of our nation, Nigeria.”