Explosions and Gunshots Disrupt Rivers State Local Government Polls

The October 5, 2024, Rivers State local government elections, intended to mark a milestone in democratic governance, were marred by widespread violence. Explosions and gunfire overshadowed the elections in several local government areas (LGAs), casting a shadow on the credibility of the process. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) declared 22 chairmanship candidates from the Action Peoples Party (APP) as winners, but the results were largely overshadowed by chaos and violence.

The RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), announced that after the collation of results, APP candidates secured the majority of valid votes cast in two-thirds of the wards in the respective 22 LGAs. However, the collation of results for Etche LGA was postponed due to logistical challenges associated with its expansive landscape. Despite these challenges, the RSIEC affirmed the elections as peaceful and successful, despite reports of violence in some areas.

Violence Erupts at Polling Stations in Rivers State Local Elections

Despite RSIEC’s declaration of a peaceful election, reports from Port Harcourt painted a grim picture. Armed men, some wearing police uniforms, stormed several polling stations, causing panic and disrupting the electoral process. In the Elekahia Primary School polling unit, heavily armed men arrived in about 21 Hilux patrol vans, firing tear gas canisters and chasing away RSIEC officials and voters. The attackers also confiscated election materials, further escalating tensions.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers fired tear gas directly at the crowd, causing voters and bystanders to flee into nearby streets. This incident raised serious concerns about the security arrangements for the elections and the safety of the electoral officers and voters alike. When questioned, the Rivers State police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated she was unaware of the incident, heightening concerns over the authorities’ preparedness and response to the violent outbreaks.

Twin Explosions Heighten Tensions

In addition to gunfire, the electoral process was further disrupted by two explosions that rocked parts of Rivers State. The first explosion occurred at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat along Aba Road in the early hours of October 5, causing significant damage to the building’s security gate and windows. The second explosion targeted the Obio/Akpor Local Government secretariat, damaging the roof and the generator house.

According to police reports, both explosions happened almost simultaneously. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that improvised explosive devices were used in the attacks, and investigations were ongoing to determine the culprits. The incidents led to heightened security concerns and cast a dark cloud over the entire electoral process, with many voters questioning the safety of future elections in the state.

Political Fallout and Protests

The violence and chaos surrounding the elections led to widespread political fallout, with various factions within Rivers State voicing their concerns. The APC faction loyal to former Governor Rotimi Amaechi participated in the election, while the Tony Okocha camp boycotted the polls, citing a lack of transparency. Similarly, the faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, also boycotted the elections.

Wike’s supporters staged protests in Port Harcourt, insisting that the elections should not proceed, referencing a court judgment that barred the police and electoral body from participating in the polls. These protests, along with the violence and explosions, have left Rivers State in a tense political environment, raising questions about the legitimacy of the newly elected officials and the overall stability of governance in the state