A constitutional lawyer has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent steps to restore what he described as “true democracy” in Rivers State, following growing concerns over the conduct of local government elections.
The lawyer argued that the planned poll does not reflect the interest of residents, noting that credible elections at the grassroots are essential for good governance and service delivery. He explained that when local government councils are not run transparently, ordinary people suffer most, as these councils are closest to the communities.
He stressed that the President, as the symbol of Nigeria’s democracy, has a duty to ensure that the rule of law and democratic principles are upheld in every state.
Analysts say the debate over Rivers’ local government poll reflects a wider national issue — the weakening of local government autonomy. Many Nigerians believe councils have been reduced to political tools, rather than vehicles for development.
For residents, the lawyer’s call is simple: they want elections that are free, fair, and truly representative, not ones that serve only the interests of political elites
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