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A chieftain of the Labour Party, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on politicians to either defend the rights of the citizens who elected them or resign if they fear the potential dangers of standing up for the people.
Naija News reports that Okonkwo’s remarks came as he reflected on the recent drama surrounding the Rivers State Local Government Area elections.
Speaking with Soar TV, Okonkwo commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for ensuring that the elections were conducted despite various obstacles, including the withdrawal of the Nigeria Police Force and resistance from supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Okonkwo praised Fubara’s determination to uphold the democratic process, noting that such courage is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Okonkwo stated, “If you’re not willing to take the risk that is attached to any profession, step aside so that people who God gives that mind will go ahead and serve God in that capacity. If you’re a politician and you can’t stand for the people who voted for you, and because you don’t want to die, step aside. Because that’s what the job entails.”
He emphasized his support for politicians like Fubara, who, despite setbacks in the judicial and electoral systems, still resist and protest when their rights are compromised.
“Any politician that is not behaving like Siminalayi Fubara — who resists and protests when his rights are trampled upon, knowing that our judicial system and our electoral system have failed us, no matter the risk to his person — I will not speak for that politician again, and I maintain it,” Okonkwo asserted.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the Labour Party, he noted that, without a determined stance, the party cannot progress.
“And you can see what is happening because the Labour Party can’t go forward. If Sim Fubara had been saying ‘calm down, calm down’, do you know where Rivers state would have been?
“He said he’s ready for them. He’s fully prepared. The election must go on. The election must be held. Winners must be declared. They will be sworn in, and whatever is going to happen, let it happen,” the LP chieftain stated.
Okonkwo concluded with a powerful message: “I’m looking for leaders who would say, ‘nobody will rig my election, and if you rig my election, I will fight, and let us come out and fight’.”
