The Action Peoples Party (APP) has secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions in the Rivers State local government elections held on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chief Election Officer of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced this today in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
During the announcement, Enebeli mentioned that the results for Etche Local Government Area had not yet been declared because the collation process was still ongoing.
He added that the final result for Etche, and the results for all 319 councillorship positions, would be released once the collation was complete.
Enebeli also stated that the election, which took place across 6,866 units in the state, saw the participation of 18 political parties.
He praised both the political parties and the people of Rivers State for their dedication to the electoral process.
According to him, the election was conducted smoothly, safely, and transparently, and it was free from violence emphasizing that it was one of the most successful council polls ever held in the state, despite various challenges.
The newly elected chairmen are:
- Vincent Reuben Obu (Abua/Odual),
- Chibudom Ezu (Ahoada-East),
- Iyekor Ikporo (Ahoada-West),
- Mrs. Tonye Oniyide (Akuku-Toru),
- Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile (Andoni),
- Dr. Sule Amachree (Asari-Toru),
- Dame Anengi Barasua (Bonny),
- Dr. Harry Agiriye (Degema),
- Chief Brain Gokpa (Eleme),
- David Omereji (Emohua),
- Monday Dumiye (Gokana),
- Israel Abosi (Ikwerre),
- Martins Nwigbo (Khana),
- Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor),
- Prince Isaac Umejuru (Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni),
- Ishmael Oforibika (Ogu/Bolo),
- Dr. Igwe Achese (Okrika),
- Promise Reginald (Omuma),
- Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro),
- Gift Okere (Oyigbo),
- Ezebunwo Ichemati (Port Harcourt), and
- Matthew Nenubari Dike (Tai).
This election comes shortly after the Federal Government issued a three-month ultimatum for states to conduct local government elections.
In the days leading up to the poll, tensions in the state escalated after the police announced that they would not provide security for the election, citing a court order.
Similarly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was prohibited from releasing the voter register to RSIEC due to a separate court injunction.
Despite these challenges, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara remained adamant that the election would proceed as scheduled.
The police, however, clarified that their presence at the RSIEC office was to protect the premises, not to disrupt the election.
Notably, major political parties in the state, including Fubara’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), opted not to participate in the election.
Adding to the tension, an explosion occurred on the day of the election, damaging the secretariat of the APC in Port Harcourt.
The blast destroyed the gate, doors, windows, and other property at the secretariat, located along Aba Road.
Despite these dramatic developments, the election proceeded and produced significant results for the Action Peoples Party.
