Governor Siminilayi Fubara is sparing no moment in mocking associates of his former political godfather, Nyesom Wike for their jittery and and their expected defeat in the upcoming local government elections in the state.
On Thursday, he mocked his traducers for changing their stance from demanding immediate local government elections to protesting against the conduct of the election.
With the election scheduled for October 5, it was observed that elements in the dominant Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and a faction of the All Progressives Congress, APC headed by Tony Okocha and loyal to Wike have kicked against the local government election.
Sneering the associates of Wike over thier changed stance to defer the local government election during a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the local government election, at Government House, Governor Fubara emphasised that no matter the guise or level of ‘aluta continua’ posture that the detractors adopt, the Local Government election will go on.
He added, “Our AI pattern of doing things has even made people to turn to the chant of aluta. There was a time, when they told the public that they can’t protest.
“Look at some of them, they are now behaving like members of labour unions, protesting like students. They have turned to aluta professions. Going by the analysis that they posed then, we can say, there are every signal that they have failed.
“So, if today, this same persons have resolved to aluta pattern, it means that we have also won. So, we need to be very careful and follow this course with tact.”
Governor Fubara insisted that the Local Government election will have only those residing in the State who are registered voters participating.
He said: “Go, do what the law says you should do, as demanded by the RSIEC Law, and leave the rest. RSIEC will take it from there, and when RSIEC finishes its part, the State Government will also take it from that point and finish its part, and the process will all be consummated by the special grace of God in a few days coming.”
Governor Fubara also said: “You know this election, I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating. It is the truth!
“But because of the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of local governments, as a Governor, I have to obey that.
“It did not end there. The President, after the Supreme Court ruling, invited us and we had an understanding that we have a compliance duration of 90 days. So, what we are doing here is to make sure that even if my party is not participating, the local council process must stand for Rivers State.
“And a good number of you here are my party faithful and you are not even benefiting from it, and you are here supporting us. So, what is the problem?
“So, I want to thank you for supporting democracy. I want to thank you for ensuring that there is rule of law. I want to thank you for sticking your neck out to make sure that Rivers State still stands among the comity of States.”
Governor Fubara appealed to everyone to return to their various LGAs, follow the process, be law abiding, and eschew violence.
He also expressed appreciation to some leaders, who he described as very respectable and have name of honour because they can see the truth and stand by it boldly, as true patriots of the State.
He added, “I want to thank you for standing with us and assure you that with your strength, we will continue to stand with the flag, and we will not let the flag of Rivers State down by any means.
“So, let me conclude by assuring you again, don’t allow anybody, don’t allow any propaganda, don’t allow any aluta movement, and don’t allow any story from the pit of hell to deter your spirit at this point.
“I am really happy that everyone is in high spirit. Be assured that the government will do everything to make sure that Rivers State is not put in any state of confusion,” he added.
