Rivers State LGA Election to Proceed as Planned - Governor Fubara Confirms
By Wisdom Tide
30/09/2024
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has confirmed that the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, will proceed without interruption. He emphasized that there are no legal obstacles preventing the elections and encouraged political parties, candidates, and the electorate to remain engaged in the democratic process.
Assurance of Electoral Proceedings
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara made this announcement following an inspection of the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project. He also visited the headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), where he met with the commission’s chairman, retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli.
Governor Fubara stated, “Our election will hold on the 5th of October, 2024. I’m aware that RSIEC has already received a court order mandating them to conduct the election on this date, and the security agencies have been instructed to provide support."
He added that despite not being a lawyer, he understands that RSIEC has the legal authority to proceed with the elections, and his administration will offer full support to ensure a free, fair, and credible election process.
Warnings Against Election Disruptions
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions, Governor Fubara highlighted reports of plans by certain individuals to interfere with RSIEC's operations. He issued a stern warning to those considering such actions, asserting that any attempts to destabilize the election would not be tolerated.
Fubara remarked, “Rivers State's interest must remain paramount. This state does not belong to any individual. I don’t care who nominated you, just do the right thing. Any mistake we make today will have long-lasting consequences."
He further emphasized that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission belongs to the people of Rivers State and, as governor, he would personally intervene if necessary to ensure the election proceeds smoothly.
Legal Challenges to the Election Process
On Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling that prevents the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voters’ register to RSIEC. This ruling came after an earlier order by a High Court in Port Harcourt that directed RSIEC to use the 2023 voters’ register for the upcoming elections.
The Port Harcourt High Court's ruling, issued by Justice I. Igwe on September 4, 2024, followed a legal challenge by the Action People’s Party (APP) against RSIEC, the Rivers State Government, and Governor Fubara. The court mandated that RSIEC use the 2023 voters’ register for the elections.
However, in a conflicting decision, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja halted INEC from releasing the voters’ register for the October 5, 2024 local government elections. The court also barred the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the elections.
RSIEC's Preparedness for the Election
Despite the conflicting court rulings, RSIEC remains committed to proceeding with the election as scheduled. According to RSIEC, the commission had already obtained the 2023 voters' register from INEC in anticipation of the election. Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s support to ensure the elections are conducted smoothly, highlighting the importance of democratic governance at the local level.
In his closing remarks, the governor reassured the public that the election would be one of the most transparent and well-conducted in the history of Rivers State, urging all stakeholders to play their part responsibly
0 Comments