The Rivers State Elders Forum has condemned the state government’s decision to defy a Federal High Court ruling and proceed with the scheduled Local Government Election on October 5, 2024, as reported by TVC News.
In a video shared by TVC News on October 4, the group insisted that the election exercise should be suspended, citing legal and ethical concerns.
A representative of the Forum stated, “We urge the government to respect the rule of law and halt this election until the court’s judgment is properly addressed.”
The Forum expressed its frustration over the government’s perceived disregard for judicial rulings, arguing that moving forward with the election could have serious legal and political consequences.
“The court has spoken, and it is incumbent upon the state government to respect that decision,” the representative added.
The Federal High Court had earlier issued a ruling regarding the legality of the election, but the state government opted to continue with the process despite the judgment.
This defiance has raised concerns among civil society groups and political analysts, many of whom see it as a dangerous precedent that undermines the judiciary’s role in governance.
The Rivers State Elders Forum echoed these sentiments, warning that failure to uphold the court’s ruling could lead to instability and erode public trust in the government.
The state government, however, has maintained its stance, claiming that preparations for the election were already in advanced stages and suspending it at this point would create chaos.
A government spokesperson noted, “The administration remains committed to ensuring a fair and credible election, and we believe that all actions taken are within the legal framework.”
Despite these assurances, tensions are escalating, with the Elders Forum urging political leaders to prioritize peace and the rule of law.
As the election date approaches, the clash between the government’s determination to proceed and the court’s ruling continues to draw attention, with many stakeholders watching closely for the outcome.