Rivers residents rally for LG elections, hope for end to emergency rule

Residents of Oyigbo Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State expressed confidence that Saturday’s local government elections could mark a turning point, potentially ending the state’s emergency rule and revitalizing grassroots democracy.

Speaking at polling stations across Oyigbo, voters eagerly awaited the arrival of voting materials as early as 8:20 a.m., according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Oyigbo LGA, comprising 10 wards and over 139 polling units, has approximately 121,815 registered voters based on 2023 election data.

To ensure participation, movement restrictions were enforced, leading to the closure of major markets like Eke-Oyigbo and the Building Materials Market.

Collins Odili, a trader at the Building Materials Market, noted, “Businesses and transportation are halted due to the police movement restrictions, which is standard during Nigerian elections”.

Voters were particularly inspired by the campaign of APC chairmanship candidate Okechukwu Akara, who, alongside his 10 councillorship candidates, presented a compelling manifesto during visits to the area. Timothy Ndudi, a youth leader in Ogboso community, praised Akara’s potential, stating, “As a new politician from Okoloma Afam, Akara will unite us and restore effective local governance”.

Ndudi added that voters at the Village Square Polling Unit were ready with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), anticipating the distribution of election materials from the council headquarters in Afam.

Unlike past elections, where youths often played street football, the atmosphere was notably calm, with minimal movement around polling centers.

A community leader in Izioma, Peter Ejimofor, emphasized the election’s significance, saying, “This LG election is a step toward ending emergency rule and restoring full democratic structures in Rivers State” (NAN).