Tonye Cole Raises Alarm Over Rivers LG Polls, Questions Fubara’s Return

Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has questioned the decision to conduct local government elections on August 30 while the state remains under the administration of a presidentially appointed sole administrator.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced the poll date in July, despite a Supreme Court ruling in February nullifying the October 5, 2024, elections conducted under Governor Siminalayi Fubara for failing to meet requirements in Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act.

Following political unrest in March, President Bola Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the legislative arm for six months, appointing Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator. Cole noted that the administrator’s tenure ends in September, questioning the rationale for rushing the polls before the return of an elected government.

Speaking during a television interview, he argued that if the reconciliation between Governor Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike is genuine, the elections should be held after the governor resumes office. He warned that the early date could indicate plans to extend the administrator’s tenure or undermine Fubara’s reinstatement.

“This rush puts everyone in an uncomfortable position. Does it mean Governor Fubara will not return? Is there an extension planned? Or is there a lack of trust in him? Something is wrong, and I don’t trust this process,” Cole stated.