Governor Fubara Declares October 3 and 4 Public Holidays Ahead of Local Government Polls

Rivers State declares public holidays and restricts movement to ensure full participation in upcoming local government elections.

In preparation for the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, 2024, as public holidays. This move is aimed at enabling residents to travel to their communities and participate fully in the elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5.

Governor Fubara also announced a restriction on vehicular movement starting from midnight on Friday, October 4, until 5 p.m. on Election Day, Saturday, October 5. The announcement was made during a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Addressing the public, Fubara explained that the decision follows the expiration of the three-year tenure of Chairmen and Councilors across the 23 Local Government Councils on June 17, 2023. To temporarily manage affairs, Caretaker Committees were appointed. However, following a Supreme Court ruling on July 11, 2024 (SC/CV/343/2024), the administration of local councils by unelected officers was deemed unlawful, leading to the cessation of statutory allocations to such councils.

Governor Fubara noted that the intervention of the President extended the compliance period to October 31, 2024. As a result, he directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to proceed with conducting the elections on October 5, ensuring the councils will be led by elected officials.

The Governor confirmed that RSIEC is ready for the election, with 17 of the 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), participating by fielding candidates.

“As Governor of Rivers State, I am committed to upholding Nigeria’s Constitution, the rule of law, and democratic principles,” Fubara said. He stressed that not holding the election would violate the Supreme Court’s ruling and could result in the State losing its statutory allocations.

Additionally, Fubara referenced a September 4, 2024, High Court ruling (PHC/2696/CS/2024), which mandated that the elections be conducted using the 2023 INEC Voters Register.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the elections, urging all registered voters to take part. Fubara also assured that security personnel would be deployed across the state to ensure orderliness at polling units.