The governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that free, credible, and transparent elections should be held in a few chosen states during the upcoming off-season.
The governor also gave the military orders to act in a professional manner so as not to interfere with the democratic process.
During a courtesy call at Government House in Port Harcourt recently, Fubara gave the counsel to General Christopher Gwarbin Musa, the 18th Chief of Defence Staff.
He mentioned that in order to respect the electorate’s will, President Bola Tinubu was also interested in free, fair, and credible elections.
Fubara clarified that for this reason, he has issued matching orders to the military to make sure there is no harassment or intimidation throughout the electioneering phase.
“I firmly believe that free and fair elections are part of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, which is the theme adopted by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For this reason, he must have given you the task of ensuring that the off-season election is run in a way that will demonstrate that the voters cast their ballots for the candidates they choose.
In order to put the proper things in place, you had to go from one state to another, which is why I want to thank you for your pains. I firmly feel that this off-season election will be open to the public and among the best that have ever been held.
Along with the Nigerian Police, Fubara also praised the Army, Navy, and Air Force for their varied contributions to the security of Rivers State.
Fubara reassured that the state’s current political dilemma was a family matter and that any problems would be settled peacefully.
He went on to say that in order for the state to move forward, the political unrest that had been sparked in it would be subdued and all disputes would be settled peacefully.
General Christopher Gwarbin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, promised the governor of Rivers State that the military will uphold its legal duty to keep the peace and safeguard Nigeria’s unity.
Musa stated that arrangements had been made to guarantee a smooth conduct of the off-season elections on November 11 and issued a warning that any officer who tampers with the process would face arrest and legal action.
The Chief of Defence Staff pledged to safeguard the country’s resources and territorial integrity while also containing the threat of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He noted the strategic significance of Rivers State and its contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
