The Rivers State local government elections, slated for Saturday, August 30th, ignited a surge of activity in Port Harcourt on Friday. Residents flocked to major markets like Mile 1, Mile 3, and Creek Road, stocking up on provisions in anticipation of the 17-hour movement restriction imposed by the State Commissioner of Police, effective from midnight Friday to 6 pm on Saturday. The restriction aimed to maintain order and security during the election process. Simultaneously, Abali and Waterlines motor parks bustled with families laden with luggage, embarking on journeys to their respective communities to exercise their voting rights. This pre-election flurry underscored the significance of the local government polls for the residents of Rivers State. While some expressed eager anticipation for the elections, others conveyed mixed emotions, particularly in light of the ongoing state of emergency in the region.
The heightened activity followed the State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.)’s directive declaring Friday a half-day for civil servants, enabling them to travel to their voting locations. This facilitated participation in the electoral process, allowing those working in the state capital to return to their home communities. This proactive step demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and accessible election for all eligible voters. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) worked diligently to prepare for the polls, assuring residents of a transparent and credible process.
The RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, addressed journalists in Port Harcourt, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to upholding electoral integrity. He outlined the meticulous preparations undertaken over several months to guarantee a seamless election process. Odey assured the public of RSIEC’s impartiality, transparency, and professionalism, emphasizing the measures implemented to ensure every vote counts and accurately reflects the will of the people. This commitment to transparency and accountability aimed to build public trust in the election outcome and reinforce the democratic process.
Odey urged all registered voters to participate actively in the election, emphasizing the importance of exercising their civic duty. He encouraged voters to arrive early at polling stations with their Permanent Voter Cards to cast their ballots. He stressed that elections are not only a constitutional requirement but a sacred trust, highlighting the significance of individual participation in shaping local governance. “Your vote is your voice; let it count,” Odey declared, underscoring the power of the ballot box in a democratic society. He also appealed to political actors to maintain peace and refrain from violence throughout the election period.
The RSIEC Chairman advocated for a contest of ideas, not a do-or-die affair, urging all stakeholders to prioritize fairness, peace, and civic pride. This call for peaceful participation was crucial in ensuring a free and fair election process. Logistical preparations were also well underway, with sensitive and non-sensitive materials distributed to all 23 local government areas across the state. At the RSIEC headquarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, authorized ad-hoc staff finalized arrangements, while others verified their assignments as presiding and supervising officers. This meticulous planning and organization aimed to prevent logistical challenges and ensure smooth operations on election day.
Regarding the collation and declaration of results, Dr. Odey clarified the procedures. While the initial vote counting would take place at designated collation centers within each local government area, the official declaration of winners would occur exclusively at the RSIEC headquarters. This centralized declaration process emphasized the commission’s control over the final results and aimed to prevent discrepancies or disputes. The detailed preparations, public assurances of transparency, and clear procedures outlined by RSIEC reflected the state’s commitment to conducting a credible and peaceful local government election, fostering democratic participation and strengthening local governance in Rivers State.
