The Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) has pledged to protect the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State, scheduled for October 5, asserting that no individual or group will be allowed to disrupt the electoral process.
In a statement released to Vanguard, IYC President Dr. Theophilus Alaye expressed concern over the conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdictions aimed at halting the elections, deeming this situation unfortunate. He emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to conducting the local government elections is vital for ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level, thereby delivering the dividends of democracy to the citizens.
Importance of Local Government Elections
Dr. Alaye articulated the significance of periodic elections as fundamental to democratic practices, enabling the selection of leaders from the federal to local levels. He highlighted that the decision by the Fubara administration to initiate the election processes earlier this year was aligned with democratic traditions.
He underscored the critical role that elected Chairmen and Councilors play in managing local councils, noting that more than ten governors in Nigeria have successfully conducted local government elections without incidents of unrest. Alaye questioned why Rivers State should face challenges in this regard.
Call for Support from Security Agencies
The IYC has called on the police, as the primary agency responsible for internal security, to collaborate with the Rivers State government to ensure a smooth election process. Additionally, the organization urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies to work alongside the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to facilitate peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.
Dr. Alaye stated, “As Ijaw youths, we won’t allow any individual or groups of persons to disrupt the forthcoming local government elections. We, the Ijaw people, are laying the golden eggs to feed this country, and we won’t allow anyone to disrespect our humble and peaceful son, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.”
He further admonished judges to remain impartial when dealing with sensitive electoral matters, warning against being swayed by political interests that could incite chaos and confusion, as no court judgment has ever impeded national and state elections from occurring.