Supporters of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, staged a peaceful protest near the Polio Club in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Port Harcourt, opposing the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State.
The protesters, mainly youths, gathered to express their belief that no legitimate council election was taking place in the state.
The group, which numbered around 100 people, emphasized that as law-abiding citizens, they were following the ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court, which directed the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stay away from the elections.
One of the protesters, Henry Bobmanuel, explained, “We are law-abiding citizens, that’s why we are not participating in the elections; we gathered here to tell the world that there is no local Council election in Rivers State.”
Meanwhile, reports indicated that election is ongoing various wards and units in several local government areas, including Bonny, Obio-Akpor, and Port Harcourt City.
In some areas, voter accreditation and voting were underway, while in others, like Rumuibekwe and Rumuekini, materials had not yet arrived by 9 a.m.
However, places like Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area saw a large voter turnout, and the situation remained peaceful.
While police were not seen at polling stations, other security forces, such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were present.
Shops remained closed, and security vans were spotted patrolling the area.
The protests occurred amidst a suspected bomb attack at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat on Aba Road, where armed thugs attacked the building earlier this morning.
