Niger Delta Youths Call for Peaceful Rivers LG Poll, Urge Focus on Governance.

Niger Delta youths, under the South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI), have called for a peaceful and orderly conduct of the forthcoming local government council elections in Rivers State, scheduled for October 5, 2024. The call came in a statement issued by the SSYI National President, Imeabe Oscar, who urged all political parties and stakeholders to ensure that the election process remains calm and devoid of violence.

Oscar, who spoke on behalf of the youth group, emphasized that peaceful elections are crucial for grassroots development in the state. He highlighted the need for political actors to show restraint and respect for democratic values, warning that any attempt to disrupt the process would be a disservice to the people of Rivers State.

“We are calling on all political parties and their supporters to maintain peace and allow the forthcoming local government elections to be conducted without any incidents,” Oscar said. “The presence of governance is most effectively felt at the grassroots when there are elected officials in charge who genuinely serve the interests of their communities.”

Oscar’s call for peace also extended to a plea for the Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, to strengthen security measures during the elections by providing operational vehicles for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). According to Oscar, these vehicles would enable the NSCDC to effectively carry out its mandate of protecting lives and property during the election period.

“We urge the governor to consider equipping the NSCDC with operational vehicles. This will empower them to perform optimally and ensure that the election is conducted in a secure and peaceful environment,” he added.

In his statement, Oscar lamented the current state of politics in Rivers, expressing concern that the intense politicking has hampered the state’s ability to compete economically with other states, particularly Lagos. He urged the governor to shift focus from political power struggles to governance, emphasizing that this was key to improving the state’s overall development.

“The political situation in Rivers State has set us back economically,” Oscar said. “While other states, particularly Lagos, are advancing in terms of economic activities, Rivers State is struggling to keep up. The ongoing political struggles are not helping, and we expect the governor to focus more on governance rather than allowing these distractions to hold the state back.”

Oscar also criticized the outgoing Caretaker Committee Chairmen in Rivers State, accusing them of failing to improve the welfare of the people at the grassroots level. He claimed that many of these officials had only sought to amass wealth for themselves instead of making meaningful contributions to their respective local councils.

“The outgoing Caretaker Committee Chairmen have failed the people,” Oscar remarked. “Many of them were more interested in securing power and resources for personal gain rather than delivering tangible results that would improve the quality of life for the people they were appointed to serve. The government must take this into account when selecting candidates for the upcoming elections.”

Oscar further called on the governor to ensure that those elected into office are people who genuinely care about the development of their local councils and are committed to making a difference. He advised that the selection process should prioritize integrity and competence over political loyalty.

“It is important that those elected into local government positions are not just after the resources of the councils but are genuinely interested in serving the people. His Excellency should do more to earn the trust and support of those at the grassroots, as the people of Rivers will always resist any government that does not prioritize their well-being,” he stated.

Oscar concluded by calling on all stakeholders to unite in the interest of the state’s future. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among political leaders, community members, and the government to create a conducive environment for peace and development.

“All stakeholders need to come together for the progress of Rivers State,” Oscar said. “We should aim to surpass other states in terms of economic growth and ensure that our key infrastructures, such as the seaport and airport, are operating optimally. This is not the time for divisive politics or violence but rather a time to focus on the peace and prosperity of our dear state.”

The SSYI president reiterated the group’s stance on peaceful elections, stressing that development could only occur in an atmosphere of peace. He urged political actors to act in the best interest of the state and its people, ensuring that Rivers becomes a beacon of progress rather than a hotbed for political strife.

As the local government elections draw nearer, all eyes are on Rivers State to see whether the political actors will heed this call for peace and unity.