Supporters of former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, staged a protest on Saturday in Port Harcourt. The demonstrators called on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to comply with a recent High Court judgment regarding the ongoing local government elections.
The protest, which attracted a large crowd, was organized in response to alleged irregularities in the electoral process. Many protesters carried placards with messages such as “Obey Court Order” and “No Justice, No Election,” expressing their frustration over the conduct of the elections. They demanded that RSIEC halt the polls and adhere to the court’s ruling.
A recent judgment from the Rivers State High Court reportedly ordered the suspension of the elections due to procedural flaws in their organization and scheduling. Wike’s camp had called for a postponement based on this ruling. However, RSIEC proceeded with the elections despite the court’s decision, prompting protests from Wike’s supporters.
The ongoing local government election crisis stems from a power struggle between the camps of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike, both vying for control over the political structure in the state. While the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged its members to participate in the election, the Rivers State chapter, loyal to Wike, has called on residents and party members to boycott the exercise. The protesters today represent this faction, demanding justice and adherence to the law.