On October 5, 2024, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), chaired by Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), announced the Action Peoples Party (APP) as the winner in 22 local government areas (LGAs) following the local government elections. The APP candidates secured the majority of valid votes in two-thirds of their wards. However, results for the Etche LGA were withheld due to delays in collating votes from its 19 wards.
Despite reports of explosions and gunfire in various areas, including an attack by armed men at the Elekahia Primary School in Port Harcourt, Justice Enebeli affirmed the election was conducted smoothly and transparently, noting a strong voter turnout despite adverse weather conditions.
Former Deputy Speaker Austin Okpara praised the peaceful nature of the election, contrasting it with those who boycotted the process for self-serving reasons. However, significant disruptions occurred in the hometown of FCT Minister Nyesome Wike, where RSIEC officials and voting materials were absent, leading to confusion among voters.
While the All Progressives Congress (APC) participated in the election, a faction boycotted it over allegations of bias. The incident reflects ongoing tensions and violence associated with political contests in the region.
Twin Explosions
The announcement of the election results followed two explosions in various areas of the state.
The blasts occurred at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat on Aba Road and the Obio/Akpor Local Government secretariat, located just outside Port Harcourt.
Grace Iringe-Koko, in a press release, indicated that both explosions happened nearly simultaneously. She stated that police units quickly responded by visiting the scenes and collecting evidence for investigation.
The statement detailed that the Rivers State Police Command was alerted to the explosions that took place in Port Harcourt on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The first explosion occurred at the APC secretariat around 3 AM, where a security guard heard a loud bang and noticed three black Toyota Hilux vans speeding away from the scene. This explosion caused substantial damage, destroying the gate, shattering the building’s windows, and igniting the security post.
The second explosion happened at the Obio/Akpor Council secretariat around 3:30 AM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a black Toyota Hilux van and a white Toyota Sienna minivan passing by the secretariat, with occupants allegedly throwing an object, suspected to be a stick of dynamite, which damaged the roof and generator house of the complex.
In response, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Anti-Bomb Squad were dispatched to both locations. An improvised explosive device was recovered at the APC secretariat, and authorities confirmed the use of incendiary materials in the fire at the security building.
Iringe-Koko noted that the anti-bomb squad had gathered samples from both sites for forensic analysis and that investigations were underway to capture those responsible. She urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
