….Calls for peaceful elections
As the October 5, 2024 date for the conduct of local government councils elections in Rivers State draws closer, a group, the South South Youths Initiative, SSYI, has called on Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara to consider providing operational vehicles for the State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to enable them effectively carryout their mandate of securing lives and properties in the state.
SSYI in a statement by the National President, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar said providing operational vehicles to the NSCDC would help them perform optimally in the forthcoming elections.
“We want to use this opportunity to remind his Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara on the need to give the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Rivers State Command that would be responsible for the elections, the needed attention in terms of providing operational vehicles to enable them carry out their duties effectively,” Comrade Oscar stated.
He noted that successive governments in the state have concentrated more on providing vehicles for the Police and prayed that same gesture be extended to the NSCDC and other sister agencies.
“At the moment, the governor and previous governments have been paying much attention to the police in terms of provision of operational vehicles which is also very good, but we are requesting that same should be extended to the NSCDC.
“Several administrations have come and gone and the NSCDC is hardly remembered for the provision of operational vehicles and as such lacks vehicles to carry out their primary assignment and which could also affect their operation in forthcoming local government elections in the state.
“We also want his Excellency to pay attention to other security outfits in the state to ensure that the election is peaceful and lives are safe, properties are safe before, during and after the elections,” he said.
SSYI also used the opportunity to call on all parties to conduct themselves peacefully during this electioneering period.
“We are calling on all parties to be peaceful and allow the forthcoming elections to hold peacefully. They should also be reminded that the presence of governance can only be felt at the grassroot when there are elected officers in charge.
“We call on all those planning to stop the success of the elections to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign in the state,” Oscar stated.
He bemoaned the kind of politics practiced in Rivers State, lamenting that the system has made it impossible for the state to compete with others economically.
SSYI urged the governor to concentrate more on governance than politics.
“The nature of the political situation here has taken Rivers State backward. The State can’t meet up with other states. Lagos State is far ahead in times of economic activities and considering the hardship we are facing, we expect Rivers State to grow better than those states.
“Rivers resources should be used to develop the state and not invested in political struggles that adds no value to the state.
“We want to call on his Excellency to concentrate more on governance and less on politics. We call on him to give attention to those concerned about the success of the state and not on political grabbers around him,” he stated.
Commenting on the activities of the current Caretaker Committee Chairman in the State, Comrade Oscar observed that most of them did nothing to better the lots of the grassroot but were only interested in amassing wealth for themselves.
“The Caretaker Committee Chairmen that are on their way out never meant well and most of them did nothing to make government presence felt in their councils. They were just grabbing.
“We advise that these ones that are given tickets to contest as chairmen should not be those who are merely interested in grabbing council resources.
“His Excellency should do more to earn the support of those at the grassroot because Rivers people would always resist any government that does not mean well for them,” he added.
Comrade Oscar also called on all stakeholders to close rank for the overall interest of Rivers State.
“I call on all stakeholders to work together and support the governor for the peace and development of Rivers State.
“All stakeholders should work together to see that our state is better than Lagos and other states economically, work together to see that our seaport and airport are working optimally and that the state flourishes.
“We should not always be known for violence and bad politics. This is the time to work for the peace and progress of our dear state,” he said.
