The Voice of Rivers: No One Can Stop Democracy on October 5—Defend Against Political Manipulation and Judicial Overreach!, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

No Force—Not Even the President, Supreme Court, or Senate—Can Silence the People of Rivers State: Their Sacred Right to Vote is Inviolable Against Political Manipulation in a Democratic Nigeria—Not Under Military Rule!

In this critical juncture of Nigeria’s fragile democracy, the local government election in Rivers State stands as a monumental test—not just of governance, but of the very integrity of the democratic process. The elections, scheduled for October 5, 2024, are not merely procedural; they are a battle for the soul of the people’s right to self-determination, and any attempt to halt or disrupt them represents an assault on the collective will of the citizens.

Make no mistake—the stakes could not be higher. In a world where democracy teeters on the edge of collapse in several nations, the events unfolding in Rivers State serve as a grim reminder that our rights, once taken for granted, can be seized in the blink of an eye. And this time, the danger comes not just from external forces but from within—from political operatives, opportunists, and saboteurs bent on derailing the electoral process for their own selfish gain. They want to subvert the will of the people, and they’re using every trick in the book, including what has become an infuriatingly common tactic in Nigerian politics: judge shopping. This is the act of running to courts outside the state’s jurisdiction, seeking favorable rulings to obstruct democratic processes. But let it be known—this toxic game is about to backfire spectacularly.

The Psychological Warfare Against the People

At its core, what is happening in Rivers State is psychological warfare. The Wike camp, among other disruptive factions, seeks not just to bend the law but to shatter the confidence of the electorate. When they run to judges in faraway cities, trying to stop an election with orders from Abuja, they are telling the people of Rivers State, “Your vote doesn’t matter. Your voice doesn’t count. We will decide who governs you.”

This is more than legal manipulation—it is psychological manipulation. The goal is to plant doubt, apathy, and fear in the minds of citizens, convincing them that their participation is futile. But we must resist this. Rivers State cannot and will not be held hostage by political criminals who view democracy as an obstacle rather than a pathway to power. These individuals, cloaked in the guise of legalism, are nothing but saboteurs of the people’s will.

The people must understand the depth of this psychological assault and rise above it. By attempting to derail the election, these factions are engaging in a brutal campaign to erode the very fabric of democracy in Nigeria. This is not just about Rivers State; it’s about the future of democracy in the entire nation. If we let them win here, the domino effect will be catastrophic.

Governor Fubara: A Shield for Democracy

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has shown unflinching determination in the face of this political storm. In an unprecedented move, he declared October 3 and 4 as public holidays, ensuring that every citizen of Rivers State can travel to their communities and exercise their right to vote without hindrance. This is not just administrative foresight—it is a powerful statement. It says that no one, not even the highest court in Abuja, can deny the people of Rivers State their right to elect their leaders.

Furthermore, by instituting a strict curfew from midnight on Friday, October 4, to 5 PM on Election Day, Governor Fubara is sending a clear and unambiguous message: disruption will not be tolerated. The police, military, and other security forces have been instructed to act swiftly and decisively against anyone who attempts to interfere with the election process. Those who think they can incite violence or chaos, particularly the notorious Wike camp and its allies, should be on high alert. Their every move is being watched, and the consequences of any attempt to break the curfew or disturb the peace will be swift and unforgiving.

This is not an ordinary election—it is a test of endurance, resilience, and the will of the people to defend their democracy at all costs. Governor Fubara is standing as a bulwark against the forces that wish to erode this process, and the people of Rivers State must stand with him. It is time for a show of unity against those who seek to undermine our future.

The High Stakes: The Future of Rivers State and Nigeria

This election is about much more than local government administration. It is about power—who holds it and how it is used. The Supreme Court’s judgment, the involvement of RSIEC, and the backing of the Rivers State judiciary all affirm the same truth: the election must proceed. Any failure to conduct this election would not only be a breach of constitutional duty but also a shameful betrayal of the people’s trust. It would plunge Rivers State into a dangerous precedent where unelected officials could rule unchecked, free from the scrutiny of the ballot box. Such a scenario would spell doom for the state’s political future and send shockwaves across Nigeria.

The saboteurs must understand that their attempts to obstruct the election will not only fail but will be met with a ferocity they cannot withstand. Every legal loophole they try to exploit has been firmly closed. The Rivers State judiciary has ruled. The electoral commission has spoken. And the people—the people, whose voices are the cornerstone of democracy—will have the final word.

The Wike camp and other troublemakers must be warned: the curfew and restrictions are not mere suggestions; they are the law. And violating them is not just a breach of protocol—it is a direct assault on the will of the people. The consequences will be dire. Governor Fubara has ensured that security forces are fully mobilized and authorized to arrest and prosecute anyone daring enough to challenge the integrity of this election. There will be no escape for those who seek to sow chaos.

A Call to the People: Rise and Defend Your Democracy

Now, more than ever, the people of Rivers State must recognize their power. This is their moment. The government, backed by the judiciary, has created a clear path for the election to proceed. But it is the people who will ultimately decide its success. Every vote cast is a vote for the future. Every ballot dropped is a stand against tyranny, corruption, and manipulation.

This election is not just for today but for generations to come. It will determine the quality of leadership in Rivers State and send a message to the entire country: democracy in Nigeria is alive and cannot be extinguished. No judge, no politician, no faction can silence the people when they are united.

No police, no security agency, no political thugs, no power, and not even the devil can stop the October 5 local government election in Rivers State. The government and the people of Rivers State will not be halted. Governor Fubara’s curfew is not a restriction on freedom but a vital protection of it. This measure ensures that the electoral process will proceed peacefully, and those who attempt to disrupt it will face the full force of the law. The people of Rivers State are determined to safeguard their democratic rights and will not be intimidated by any force.

As a psychologist and writer, my concern is not with any political party or individual, but rather with the preservation of democratic principles that safeguard the future of this great nation called Nigeria. The ability of the people to freely choose their leaders, without interference, manipulation, or coercion, is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. My purpose is to advocate for these democratic ways—to ensure that the will of the people remains paramount, that elections are fair, and that governance is transparent. In this critical moment, my aim is to push for the collective good of the nation, ensuring that the voice of every Nigerian citizen is heard, respected, and protected. It is not about political allegiances or personal biases, but about upholding the systems that ensure justice, equality, and the rightful power of the people in shaping their own destiny.

Yes, Nigeria is a young and troubled nation, but Rivers State stands at the very heart of it all. On October 5, our flag will wave high over Rivers State, buoyed by the winds of change. It carries with it the collective spirit of the people, imbued with sacrifice, freedom, patriotism, nationalism, pride, disappointment, and hope. This flag reflects how the people feel about their country—its past and its future.

In conclusion, let this serve as a stark warning to those who would attempt to obstruct, manipulate, or undermine the democratic process: Rivers State is resolute and unyielding. The voice of the people cannot be silenced. The elections will go forward, and any forces that stand in opposition will be swept aside by the relentless tide of democracy. No force—be it the President, the Supreme Court, or the Senate—can silence the people of Rivers State; their sacred right to vote remains inviolable against political manipulation in a democratic Nigeria, free from military rule!

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University.