Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared October 3 and 4, 2024, as public holidays to prepare for the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024. In a state-wide broadcast, Governor Fubara urged citizens to participate actively in the election, which will determine the leadership at the grassroots level across the state.
Restrictions and Security Measures
Governor Fubara announced a total restriction on vehicular and human movement from midnight on Friday, October 4 until 5 PM on Saturday, October 5, except for individuals and vehicles with valid election-related or essential duty identifications. Security agencies, including the police, are on high alert to enforce the restriction and maintain order.
Assurances for a Free and Fair Election
Fubara emphasized that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had been fully funded and provided with necessary logistics to ensure a credible, free, and fair election. He also highlighted that the election complies with the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government administration and the Rivers State High Court’s mandate for the state to hold the elections.
“We must ensure that the local government elections on October 5, 2024, are held peacefully, fairly, and credibly throughout the state,” Fubara said.
Participation by Political Parties
Governor Fubara noted that 17 out of 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), have signaled their intent to participate in the election by submitting candidates to the RSIEC. He urged all registered voters to exercise their civic duty by turning out to vote.
INEC’s Voters Register Controversy
However, there has been some controversy surrounding the use of the INEC Voters Register for the local government elections. Dr. Johnson Sinikiem, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State, denied claims that INEC had handed over the voters register to RSIEC. Sinikiem explained that while RSIEC had requested the register, a Federal High Court order prevented INEC from releasing the document.
“We have not officially handed over the Rivers state voters register to RSIEC due to a Federal High Court restraining order,” Sinikiem clarified.
APC’s Concerns
The APC in Rivers State, through its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Okocha, accused Governor Fubara of disobeying court orders and engaging in actions that could lead to lawlessness. Okocha expressed concerns over the atmosphere surrounding the election, which led the party to withdraw its participation from the polls, despite their initial readiness.
Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the local government elections are peaceful and transparent. He called on all residents to support the RSIEC in delivering on its constitutional duty to conduct credible elections.