A former Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on politicians unwilling to stand up for the electorate due to fear of threats or death to step aside. He emphasised the need for courageous leadership in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Reacting to events surrounding the recently concluded Rivers State Local Government Area elections, Okonkwo praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for ensuring the elections proceeded despite challenges.
Speaking during an interview with Soar TV on Saturday, the former Labour Party campaign spokesperson lauded Fubara’s determination to uphold the rights of the people, even in the face of opposition.
He particularly noted Fubara’s resolve to go ahead with the elections, despite the withdrawal of the Nigeria Police Force and pushback from supporters of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Okonkwo believes leaders like Fubara, who stand firm when their rights are violated, are essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“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,” Okonkwo said.
“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 continued, “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 warned that if Fubara had not taken a stand, the political situation in Rivers State could have worsened.
“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,” Okonkwo explained.
Concluding, Okonkwo called for more leaders like Fubara who would not tolerate electoral malpractice, saying, “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’.”