A number of staunch supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara are stepping into the political spotlight as they announce their candidacies for local government chairmanship positions under the Action People’s Party (APP) in Rivers State, with elections set for October 5.
These individuals were appointed as caretaker committee chairmen only three months ago by the governor, marking a swift shift in their political ambitions.
This development occurs amidst a tumultuous period for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party to which Governor Fubara belongs, as it grapples with internal strife.
Among the caretaker committee chairmen now vying for positions with the APP are Chijioke Ihunwo from Obio/Akpor, Ezebunwo Ichemati from Port Harcourt, Brain Gokpa from Eleme, David Omereji from Emohua, John Ngubo-Otamiri from Etche, Promise Reginald from Omuma, and Mathew Dike from Tai.
In addition to these new entrants, Enyiada Cookey-Gam, previously the council chairman for Opobo/Nkoro, and Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, former chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, are also joining the APP. Notably, both had opposed a contentious six-month tenure extension during the last administration.
The local elections will also feature other prominent figures under the APP flag. This includes Igwe Access, a former leader of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) representing Okrika Local Government Area. Furthermore, Isaac Umejuru, the current Commissioner for Urban Development, will contest for Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, while Ms. Tonye Oniyide-Briggs, a past Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, is set to run for Akuku-Toru. The APP will also nominate Dr. Harry Agiriye, a Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service.
Reports indicate that eighteen political parties are preparing candidates for these elections, including a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Mr. Emeka Beke, who has recently been recognized by a court as the legitimate chairman of the party.
Interestingly, despite its long-standing dominance in local government elections since 1999, the PDP has opted to sit out of the upcoming polls.
