Rivers State Local Government Elections to Proceed as Scheduled, Says Governor Fubara

Governor Fubara confirms that the Rivers State local government election will take place as planned, despite legal challenges

The Rivers State LGA election scheduled for October 5, 2024, will proceed as planned, according to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Despite legal concerns surrounding the use of the 2023 voters’ register, the governor confirmed there are no obstacles preventing the election from going forward.

Speaking after inspecting the Trans-Kalabari Road project on Monday, Governor Fubara reiterated that the Rivers State LGA election remains on schedule. He encouraged political parties, candidates, and voters to stay motivated as they prepare to elect new council members. His statement was issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, following a meeting with the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli.

Legal Challenges Addressed

Governor Fubara highlighted that RSIEC had already secured a court order authorizing them to conduct the Rivers State LGA election on October 5, 2024. He mentioned, “With that order in place, the election will proceed.” He further assured that all necessary security arrangements would be made to ensure the election is both free and fair.

However, recent rulings by courts have sparked some concerns. On Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja halted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voters’ register to RSIEC. Despite this, Governor Fubara remained confident that the Rivers State LGA election would not face delays.

Security and Voter Protection

During his visit to RSIEC, Governor Fubara addressed reports of potential disruptions by certain groups. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Rivers State LGA election and issued a stern warning to those attempting to interfere. “The interest of Rivers State comes first, and we will not tolerate any attempts to undermine this election,” he said.

Governor Fubara also reassured the electoral commission staff that he would personally intervene if necessary to prevent disruptions, stating, “If there are any issues, I will personally address them.”

Conflicting Court Rulings

The legal battles surrounding the election have been complex. While the Port Harcourt High Court previously ruled that RSIEC should use the 2023 voters’ register for the upcoming Rivers State LGA election, a contradictory ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the release of the register. Additionally, security agencies, including the police and Department of State Services (DSS), were instructed by the court not to provide support for the election.

Despite these challenges, RSIEC confirmed that they had already obtained the 2023 voters’ register from INEC ahead of time. Governor Fubara assured voters that the Rivers State LGA election will proceed smoothly, and any security concerns will be addressed by the state.