The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced that local government elections will be held on October 5.
This announcement came on Monday, along with the release of guidelines for the council elections.
The decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing leadership crises in several local government areas, with police maintaining a presence at council secretariats.
The tensions followed the expiration of the tenure of elected chairmen and councillors across the state’s 23 local government areas.
In response to the tenure expiration, Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara appointed Caretaker Committees to manage the councils until the elections are conducted.
This move, however, has sparked protests from the outgoing chairmen, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
These chairmen argue that the Martins Amaewhule-led State Assembly had extended their tenure by six months under the repealed Local Government Administration law of the state.
RSIEC has been proactive in addressing the situation, holding meetings with political party leaders and major stakeholders to discuss the upcoming elections.
The Commission’s spokesperson stated, “We are committed to ensuring a free and fair election process. The guidelines have been shared with all relevant parties, and we expect cooperation to ensure a smooth election.”
Despite the political turbulence, the state’s electoral body is pressing ahead with its plans, aiming to restore stability and democratic governance at the local government level.
