Following the successful conclusion of the local government elections in Rivers State, former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has praised the people for upholding their democratic right to choose their leaders, describing the election as a triumph for democracy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, he commended the electorate for their resilience in the face of political intimidation and judicial manipulations, which had threatened to disrupt the polls.
From the state’s capital, Port Harcourt, to the coastal communities of Onne, citizens turned out to vote, defying efforts to suppress their voices.
“The populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy,” Atiku said, hailing the determination of Rivers people to reject political oppression and the influence of self-serving godfathers.
The former vice president extended his congratulations to the newly elected local government leaders, urging them to prioritise the welfare of the people as their primary goal.
He cautioned them against succumbing to tyranny or the temptations of power, emphasizing the importance of serving the people with humility and integrity.
“I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour, shunning the path of tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavors,” he said.
The former vice president also lauded the resilience of the Rivers electorate, who ensured that the election was peaceful and conducted with integrity.
Despite provocations and challenges leading up to the vote, the people remained steadfast in defending the sanctity of the electoral process.
Atiku further praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his dedication to protecting the democratic rights of the people and for overseeing a smooth election despite obstacles. “Governor Fubara’s unwavering commitment to the people’s interests has safeguarded the sanctity of the local government elections,” he said.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election emphasized that the real winners of the election were the people of Rivers State, whose right to choose their leaders was preserved.
“It is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process,” he stated.
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