The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled local government elections for October 5, 2024, releasing guidelines for the conduct of the polls.
This is contained in a statement the electoral body released on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The announcement of the local government elections by RSIEC comes at a time of turmoil in the councils, with a leadership crisis prompting a police presence to maintain order and prevent violence.
Recently, Governor Siminalayi Fubara appointed new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas, following the expiration of the previous chairmen’s tenures.
This move sparked violence, resulting in the death of three people, including a police officer, as reported by SaharaReporters on June 19.
In an effort to maintain public safety and prevent further escalation, the police have blockaded council premises across all Local Government Areas (LGAs), denying access to both factions and potential flashpoints.
This move comes after the Rivers State Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment Bill into law, which Governor Fubara refused to sign.
In a show of defiance, the lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, vetoed the governor’s decision. The amended bill would have granted the Assembly the power to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and councillors if elections couldn’t be held before the end of their three-year term, as reported by SaharaReporters.
However, the court struck down the amended law, and an appeal was filed.
But the outgone chairmen, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, have been protesting, insisting that the Martins Amaewhule-led State Assembly had extended their tenure by six months in the repealed Local Government Administration Law of the state.
RSIEC held a meeting with political party leaders and key stakeholders in the state to discuss the conduct of the upcoming local government elections, aiming to ensure a smooth and successful electoral process.
