Power Shift: Fubara Installs New LG Chairmen In Bold Move To Strengthen Control

This development follows the declaration of election results by Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), who confirmed that 22 chairmanship candidates from the Action Peoples Party (APP) won in the local government elections held on October 5. These candidates secured the majority of votes across two-thirds of their wards.

However, the election process faced disturbances in some areas. Armed men in police uniforms disrupted voting at Elekahia Primary School in Port Harcourt City, causing chaos and forcing RSIEC officials and voters to flee. In addition, two explosions were reported at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat on Aba Road and the Obio/Akpor Local Government secretariat, escalating tensions further.

Concerns have also been raised about the integrity of the election, particularly in areas like Ward 9 in Rumueprikom, Obio/Akpor, where voters reported that no elections were held.

As the swearing-in ceremony draws near, the Rivers State government faces the challenge of addressing these electoral issues while pressing forward with local governance.