For dousing the prevailing political tension in Rivers State, former Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (rtd), has applauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for a hitch – free local government elections.
According to him, the successful outcome of the contest signifies a new dawn towards effective realisation of the Rivers electorates’ genuine concerns, yearnings and development aspirations.
Describing the conduct of the just concluded exercise in which the Action Peoples Party (APP) was overwhelmingly declared by the State Independent Electoral Commission RSIEC, having won the poll, as “seamless,” the former military chief commended the courage of the governor for ensuring the poll held despite stiff opposition.
In a statement made available to journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, Minimah, urged the governor to focus on governance by ensuring the spread of the dividends of democracy across all nooks and crannies of Rivers State.
Minimah, who described the outcome of the contest as “a significant milestone for the state towards entrenching and deeping democracy in Rivers, urged the governor to consolidate on the governance apparatus through the new structure.”
He noted that “the governor has steered the state in a new direction, and it’s time for him to remain resolute in driving development,” and commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, political parties, and candidates for the peaceful election.
General Minimah, therefore emphasised the importance of “prioritising the welfare of the people, encouraging elected officials to put the needs of their constituents first,” and called on Rivers’ residents to support Governor Fubara in the overall interest and development of the state.
“This development and successful local government elections, signifies Governor Fubara’s administration’s commitment to the people at the grassroots, as he continues to make strides in strengthening democracy and governance in the state,” he stressed.
