Rivers cries: Fight for your people or step aside, Kenneth Okonkwo tells politicians

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent member of the Labour Party, has asserted that any politician unwilling to advocate for their constituents due to fears for their safety should resign. The former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s campaign made these remarks while discussing the events leading up to the recent Local Government Area elections in Rivers State, held on Saturday.

In an interview with Soar TV on the same day, Okonkwo praised Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for ensuring that the elections proceeded despite numerous challenges. He commended Fubara for standing firm in defense of the people’s rights, even in the face of opposition from the Nigeria Police Force and supporters of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who had expressed concerns about the elections.

Okonkwo emphasized the importance of politicians who are willing to take a stand when their rights are infringed upon, stating that such leaders are essential for strengthening democracy in Nigeria. He remarked, “If you’re not prepared to face the risks that come with public service, then you should step aside. Those who are called to serve must be ready to do so without fear. If you’re a politician who cannot defend the people who elected you because you fear for your life, then you should step aside, as that is part of the responsibility of the role.”

He further noted, “Any politician who does not emulate the courage shown by Siminalayi Fubara—who stands up and protests against the violation of his rights, especially given the failures of our judicial and electoral systems—will not have my support. It’s clear that the Labour Party is struggling to make progress. If Fubara had chosen to take a passive approach, saying ‘calm down, calm down,’ one can only imagine where Rivers State would be today. Instead, he declared his readiness to face any challenges. He insisted that the elections must occur, winners must be announced, and they should be sworn in, regardless of the consequences.”

Okonkwo concluded by expressing a desire for leaders who are unyielding in their commitment to fair elections, stating, “I’m looking for leaders who will say, ‘no one will tamper with my election, and if they attempt to rig it, I will fight back, and we will stand together to defend our rights.’”