“Politics Is Not A Do-Or-Die Affair” – Fubara Amid Aftermath Of LG Election

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated that “I must reiterate here that politics is not a do-or-die affair. Politics in Rivers State must be played with dignity,”

He made this statement in the wake of the aftermath of Saturday’s Local Government Election.

The election, which opened another chapter in the ongoing political tussle between the Governor and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, was marked by conflicting court orders on whether it should hold or not.

Fubara defied the overwhelming odds and proceeded with the election, which saw his alternative political platform, Action People’s Party (APP), winning 22 out of the 23 available council seats. Meanwhile, he continues his battle with Wike within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The election ousted Wike’s loyalists, who had previously dominated the local governments as part of his formidable political structure.

The aftermath of electing new chairmen on Saturday, October 5, 2024, and conducting their swearing-in on Sunday, October 6, 2024, led to brutal attacks on council headquarters, resulting in deaths between Saturday and Monday.

Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua are among the local government headquarters that have been set ablaze.

Fubara visited one of the torched local governments on Tuesday, October 7, 2024, after returning from a condolence visit to Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno over the demise of his wife, Patience. He shared his reaction:

“I also made a stop at the Ikwerre Local Government Secretariat in Isiokpo, which was recently set ablaze by desperate politicians. It was quite heartbreaking to see this level of carnage and destruction.

I must reiterate here that politics is not a do-or-die affair. Politics in Rivers State must be played with dignity,” he wrote.

His reaction comes amid discussions of a possible state of emergency if the crisis persists.