No going back on Rivers LG poll, says RSIEC

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced that preparations are complete for the upcoming local government elections, set to take place on October 5, 2024. This declaration comes amidst recent legal challenges and controversies surrounding the electoral process in the state.

A Federal High Court ruling had previously restricted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the necessary voters’ register to RSIEC for the local elections. Presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, the court determined that RSIEC had failed to adhere to established legal protocols, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process. These developments have led to a complex situation as the RSIEC navigates the implications of the court’s decision.

Compounding the challenges, the Rivers State Police Command announced that it would not be providing security for the upcoming elections, citing the same court order that restricted the INEC’s involvement. This lack of security support raised alarms regarding the safety and integrity of the electoral process, leading to fears that the elections might be jeopardized.

Despite these hurdles, RSIEC remains resolute in its commitment to proceed with the elections as planned. In a statement released late Friday, Tobin Tamunotonye, the Commissioner for Civil Education and Public Affairs at RSIEC, emphasized that the local government elections would take place on the scheduled date. “For the avoidance of doubt, we emphasize unequivocally that the 5th October 2024 Local Government Council Election in Rivers State will hold as scheduled, and there is no going back,” the statement declared.

The RSIEC referenced various legal frameworks to support its position, including the RSIEC Law of 2018 and a judgment from Justice I.P.C. Igwe of the High Court of Rivers State delivered on September 4, 2024. The commission cited the 1999 Constitution as empowering it to conduct local government elections within the state, asserting its authority and legitimacy in the electoral process.

In preparation for the elections, RSIEC has taken significant steps to ensure that everything is in place. The commission disclosed that it has already transported non-sensitive electoral materials to polling units throughout the state. Additionally, the updated 2023 voter registers have been made accessible at all 6,366 polling units, allowing voters to verify their registration status ahead of the election.

RSIEC characterized the upcoming polls as “critical” and aligned with the orders handed down to them by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The statement reassured the public that voting centers would open on schedule, with all necessary materials having been distributed to the respective polling units. “Voting centres will be open on time as scheduled, as materials have been moved to the respective distribution points for all polling units, and voters’ registers have also been released to election staff,” it read.

In addition to addressing procedural matters, RSIEC also took the opportunity to refute claims circulating in the media regarding the resignation of its Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.). The commission labeled these rumors as “mischievously false, baseless, and a fabricated lie from the pit of Hell calculated to mislead the public.” The statement firmly reinforced that the Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner remains in charge and has not resigned, countering the malicious narratives that had emerged.

As the election date approaches, the RSIEC’s determination to move forward despite legal and logistical challenges underscores the importance of local governance in the state. The conduct of these elections is crucial, not only for the democratic process but also for ensuring that local voices are heard and represented.

The situation in Rivers State highlights the complexities and challenges faced by electoral commissions in Nigeria, especially in the context of legal disputes and political tensions. With the RSIEC’s commitment to holding the elections as planned, all eyes will be on how the electoral process unfolds in the coming weeks. Citizens are encouraged to participate actively, ensuring that their voices are reflected in the governance of their local communities.

In conclusion, the RSIEC is poised to conduct the local government elections amidst a backdrop of legal scrutiny and security concerns. The commission’s proactive measures, alongside its firm stance on proceeding with the elections, reflect a commitment to democratic processes in Rivers State. As the situation evolves, the focus will undoubtedly remain on the integrity of the electoral process and the ability of the commission to navigate the challenges ahead successfully.