Youths in Rivers State gathered at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission office, chanting “Election must hold!” to express their determination to defend the electoral process.
The protest aimed to prevent any attempts to derail the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday.
According to Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the Governor, “We will not allow anyone to disrupt the electoral process. The people of Rivers State are ready for the election, and we will ensure that it holds as scheduled.”
Victor Oko-Jumbo, Speaker of the Pro-Fubara lawmakers, added, “We will not let the efforts of the Governor and the people of Rivers State be undermined. We will defend our democracy and ensure that the election is free and fair.”
The protest followed a visit by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the RSIEC at 1 AM, where he claimed to have intervened to prevent the Rivers State Police Command from taking control of the premises.
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“We will not allow the police or any other agency to disrupt the electoral process. The people of Rivers State have the right to choose their leaders, and we will ensure that their voices are heard,” Governor Fubara said.
The youths, who braved the heavy rainfall, set up canopies and blocked one side of the road while drumming and singing. Their determination to defend the electoral process was evident in their chants and slogans.
“We will not be intimidated or deterred. We will ensure that the election holds, and the people’s voices are heard,” said Sokari Goodboy, a representative for Ahoada West.
