With barely three days to the October 5 local government area election in Rivers State, the chairmanship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for Bonny Local Government Area, Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, has seen his prospects brighten significantly. This follows his endorsement by councilorship candidates from four major political parties participating in the contest.

Fubara, who has conducted a comprehensive election campaign across all 12 wards in the local government area, presented his “New Bonny Agenda” to voters and stakeholders. His efforts have now been bolstered by the endorsement of candidates from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Emeka Bekee-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Additionally, a faction of the SIMplified Movement, which is part of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political structure in the local government, has also thrown its weight behind him.

Following a meeting in Bonny on Wednesday, the councilorship aspirants announced their decision to support the former Director General of the APC State Assembly Forum (ASAF), describing his manifesto as the pathway towards the liberation and development of the local government area.

This endorsement comes just days after the NNPP candidate received similar backing from the elders and residents of the Finima community. It is worth noting that the party’s vice-chairmanship candidate, Mrs. Kele Kabaka Brown-Momoh, hails from Finima, which boasts the highest number of registered voters in the area ahead of the election.

Speaking on behalf of the councilorship candidates, Hon. Innocent Pepple called on all party supporters to rally behind Ambassador Fubara Dagogo. He urged other candidates to join in the alliance that would usher in a new era for Bonny Local Government Area.

Hon. Innocent Pepple emphasized that their decision to endorse Fubara was motivated by their love for Bonny, highlighting their commitment to supporting his vision. He stated that if elected at their various wards, they would work hand-in-hand with Fubara to ensure the successful implementation of his programs and agenda for Bonny.

“We carefully reviewed the manifestos of all the candidates and ultimately chose the New Bonny Agenda of the NNPP candidate. Ambassador Fubara Dagogo has demonstrated the capacity to move the local government forward to its rightful place,” Hon. Innocent Pepple said.

“After engaging with all the candidates, we unanimously agreed to endorse and support Ambassador Fubara Dagogo. This decision was made in the interest of Bonny, beyond our individual political affiliations.

“We agreed to put Bonny first and not to play politics with its future. Our local government area has suffered under leaders who have not prioritized development. After reviewing Fubara’s New Bonny Agenda, we are confident that he will deliver on his promises. We urge all other candidates to join us and align with this agenda for the benefit of all Bonny people. If elected, we are committed to ensuring the full realization of his people-centered manifesto,” the councilors assured.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya, the CEO of Women Radio, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to use his influence and political will to guarantee that women are included in Nigerian politics and socioeconomic spheres.

This was announced by the media entrepreneur and activist during the ninth Voice of Women (VOW) Conference and Awards, which took place at the Nigerian Army Forces (NAF) center in Abuja.

She urged Tinubu to use his influence and political resolve to make sure his administration complies with international norms about the participation of women in politics.

“I urge President Bola Tinubu to raise his voice in favor of securing the 74 seats set aside for female candidates. Make use of your voice and political clout to raise the status of women in Nigerian politics and society to international norms,” she said.

Sonaiya also asked female participants at the event to set aside their emotions, societal limits and help women in the election of women in leadership positions.

“I don’t think it’s true that when women rise to positions of authority, they forget about other women. Let’s get them into government first, I contend. More people would be able to reflect our demands in this way. Please donate to the campaign of a woman running for an elected seat if you have any money at all.

The VOW HE4SHE Recognition Award was given to six people in recognition of their extraordinary dedication to and support of women’s empowerment and inclusion in governance as a means of bringing about good change and moving the country closer to gender parity.

Among them are two governors, His Excellencies Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State and Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a former governor of Ekiti State, the founding executive director of the African Center for Leadership, Strategy & Development; Dr. Kole Shettima, the director of the MacArthur Foundation; and Dr. Otive Igbuzor, the executive director and founder of the Africa Women Summit.

The Rivers State Police Command has announced its decision to comply with a Federal High Court ruling that prohibits its involvement in the local government elections scheduled for October 5. This announcement comes less than 24 hours after chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by state party chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, protested against the election’s conduct by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

The protesters marched to the headquarters of the Department of State Services and the State Police Command in Port Harcourt, urging both agencies to respect the court order and refrain from participating in the election. Chukwuemeka submitted a petition along with a copy of the judgment to officials at both locations.

While the police confirmed their adherence to the court ruling, they emphasized that this does not imply a lack of vigilance against potential security breaches. Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, issued a statement in Port Harcourt, outlining the directive from the Force Legal Department regarding the court’s ruling from September 30, 2024.

Iringe-Koko stated, “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to inform all law-abiding citizens and stakeholders in Rivers State about the upcoming local government election, particularly in light of recent court rulings.”

The police emphasized the need to comply with a restraining order issued by a Federal High Court on July 19, 2024, which prevents security agencies from providing security during the elections. Additionally, the September 30 ruling reinforced this prohibition, leading to the police’s decision to step back.

The statement continued, “Given these circumstances, the Nigeria Police Force has been advised by the Force Legal Department that the ruling from the Federal High Court on September 30, 2024, takes precedence.”

The police also acknowledged recent protests from opposition parties demanding adherence to court orders and pledged to maintain law and order during the election process.

“Necessary actions will be taken to enforce the court’s orders. All Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders have been directed to ensure full compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court,” the statement added.

The police reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law and called on citizens to remain peaceful and orderly during this critical period.