On Tuesday, the Rivers State Police Command addressed accusations that it had sealed the office of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in anticipation of local government elections scheduled for October 5. Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, clarified in an interview that the presence of police at the RSIEC office was intended for security purposes, aimed at safeguarding the office from potential threats rather than enforcing a barricade. She dismissed the claim as unfounded, emphasizing that there was no legal framework, such as a court order, that warranted police intervention at the site. The officers were there merely to fulfill their routine security duties in light of ongoing threats to public infrastructure.
Despite limitations imposed by a recent Federal High Court ruling, which barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters register to RSIEC for the impending elections, the commission maintained its resolve to proceed with the electoral process. The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, indicated that RSIEC had violated established legal protocols. Nonetheless, Tamunotonye Tobins, the RSIEC Commissioner for Civic Education and Public Affairs, expressed confidence in the commission’s capacity to conduct the election as scheduled. Tobins reiterated that the police presence at their office was not an act of obstruction but a precautionary measure to ensure security during the electoral preparations.
Adding to this narrative, an unnamed RSIEC official disclosed that the commission had already obtained the updated voters register from the 2023 presidential election prior to the court’s decision. This development led to a reaffirmation that the elections would indeed take place on October 5, despite the legal setbacks. When queried about the court’s ruling, the anonymous official was unequivocal in their response, asserting that the elections would proceed as planned, demonstrating an unwavering commitment from the commission to fulfill its electoral mandate.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) voiced strong objections to RSIEC’s intentions to hold elections, branding it as a contemptuous act against the court’s recent ruling. Chibuike Ikenga, the Publicity Secretary of the APC faction led by Chief Tony Okocha, highlighted that the party had previously secured a court injunction restraining RSIEC from conducting elections and enjoining the police from offering protection for this event. He positioned the recent court order as a reinforcement of earlier legal constraints, underscoring the dilemma faced by RSIEC amidst ongoing legal battles.
Ikenga criticized RSIEC for allegedly betraying impartiality, claiming they acted under the influence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara rather than remaining neutral. He argued that the dynamic in Rivers State under Fubara’s administration involved a direct defiance of court mandates, citing the governor’s pursuit of counter-orders from less competent courts as a continual breach of the rule of law. He emphasized the necessity for lawful conduct, expressing concern that any disregard for judicial decisions could render the electoral process illegitimate and undermine democratic principles within the state.
In conclusion, the tumult surrounding the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State illustrates the complex interplay between security, electoral authority, and legal integrity. The juxtaposition of RSIEC’s determination to proceed against a backdrop of judicial opposition raises critical questions regarding the adherence to democratic processes and the rule of law. As both the police and electoral officials navigate these challenges, the need for transparency and accountability becomes ever more essential, not only to ensure the elections run smoothly but also to reinforce public trust in the governance structures of Rivers State amidst mounting tensions and conflicting narratives.
