Labour Party leader Kenneth Okonkwo has advised politicians to step aside if they cannot stand up for the people who voted for them.
He said that anyone who fears being killed for doing the right thing should not be in politics.
Okonkwo made these comments while discussing the recent Local Government elections in Rivers State. The elections, held on Saturday, faced several challenges, including the withdrawal of the Nigeria Police Force and opposition from supporters of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
In an interview with Soar TV, Okonkwo praised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for making sure the elections went ahead despite the difficulties. He applauded Fubara’s determination to protect the rights of the people.
According to Okonkwo, politicians like Fubara, who are willing to resist and fight when their rights are violated, are crucial for the country’s democracy. He emphasized that politicians must be brave and fight for their people, even when the judicial and electoral systems fail.
“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. 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,” Okonkwo said.
He further added that any politician who is not willing to defend their voters’ rights should no longer receive his support.
Okonkwo praised Fubara for standing firm and ensuring the elections were conducted fairly, with winners declared and sworn in, despite the opposition.
