Gifted Markson
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has reaffirmed that the upcoming local government election, scheduled for October 5, 2024, will proceed as planned, despite recent court rulings that have cast uncertainty over the process.
During a visit to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, Governor Fubara tasked the commission with maintaining neutrality and ensuring the integrity of the election. He emphasized the importance of the vote, warning RSIEC officials to avoid actions that could negatively impact the state’s future.
“What is important to me is that Rivers State has to be alive, it doesn’t belong to anybody. I don’t care about who nominated you but do the right thing… if we make a mistake today, it’s going to live with us forever,” Fubara said.
Fubara’s statements come in the wake of a Federal High Court ruling on Monday that restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register for the election. Justice Peter Lifu ruled that RSIEC had violated the law by setting an election date without adhering to the required legal framework, including the failure to publish the mandatory 90-day notice.
The court further barred security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), from providing security for the election. Justice Lifu cited RSIEC’s non-compliance with voter register updates as a key violation, prohibiting INEC from providing the voters’ register to RSIEC until legal provisions were met.
Despite these rulings, Governor Fubara assured that the election would go on. He cited a court order provided by RSIEC, which he claimed supports the conduct of the election with full security backing.
“RSIEC confirmed to me that a court order mandates the election to hold on October 5, with support from security agencies. With that order, the election will hold,” Fubara declared.
At a rally in Port Harcourt’s D/Line area, Fubara urged residents to turn out in large numbers to vote, emphasizing that a massive voter turnout would ensure a successful election.
While the legal tussle over the election continues, Fubara’s administration remains committed to holding the local government polls as scheduled.