Rivers State Declares Public Holiday Ahead of LG Elections, Restricts Movement
Governor Fubara Announces Measures for Smooth Local Government Polls
In preparation for the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara declared October 3 and 4, 2024, as public holidays. During a state-wide broadcast, he urged citizens to come out in large numbers to participate in the elections, which are scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024. These elections will determine the leadership at the grassroots level across the state.
To ensure a peaceful process, Governor Fubara announced a total restriction on movement within and outside the state. From midnight on Friday, October 4, 2024, to 5 PM on Saturday, October 5, 2024, human and vehicular movements will be prohibited. The restriction applies to all areas of the state, except for individuals and vehicles with valid election-related identifications or those on essential duties.
Fubara emphasized that law enforcement agencies, including the police, have been instructed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group attempting to defy the movement restrictions. He called on the people of Rivers State to comply with the directive to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
Assurances of Free and Fair Elections
Governor Fubara reassured residents that the local government elections will proceed across the 23 local government areas without any interference or hindrance. He highlighted the state government's commitment to providing the necessary funds and logistics for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to deliver a free, fair, and credible election.
The governor stressed that the conduct of the election aligns with legal rulings, including the Supreme Court’s decision on local government administration and an order from the Rivers State High Court. These rulings mandate the state government to conduct local government elections in line with constitutional requirements.
Legal Foundation for Conducting the Elections
The legal framework supporting the election was further strengthened by a Rivers State High Court judgment (Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024) delivered on September 4, 2024. This judgment directed the Governor, the state government, and RSIEC to proceed with the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, using the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voters register. Governor Fubara confirmed that RSIEC has completed all necessary preparations to conduct the election, reinforcing the commission’s readiness to manage the process.
Participation of Political Parties
Governor Fubara highlighted that 17 out of 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), have demonstrated their willingness to participate in the election. These parties have submitted their candidates to RSIEC, showing their commitment to the process.
The governor encouraged registered voters to go to their polling units and exercise their democratic rights by voting for the candidates of their choice. He assured citizens that security personnel would be deployed to maintain peace and order during the election.
Commitment to Constitutional and Democratic Principles
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the Constitution of Nigeria and adhering to the principles of democracy. He stressed that failing to conduct the local government elections would amount to a violation of the Supreme Court’s directive, which prohibits states from running local governments with unelected officers. Such non-compliance could result in the loss of statutory allocations to the 23 local government areas of the state.
Security Measures for Peaceful Elections
The governor commended the security agencies for their cooperation in ensuring that the elections would be conducted peacefully. He emphasized that citizens have a responsibility to support RSIEC in its constitutional duty to deliver a transparent election that will usher in a new set of democratically elected leaders.
INEC Denies Voters’ Register Release
In a related development, the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Johnson Sinikiem, denied claims that INEC had released the state’s voters register to RSIEC. Dr. Sinikiem's statement clarified that no such action had been taken by the commission, ensuring that all electoral processes remain transparent and in line with legal guidelines
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