The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has confirmed that preparations for the upcoming local government elections are complete, despite legal challenges and concerns about security. A recent ruling by the Federal High Court prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC, citing legal breaches by the state electoral body. This ruling, provided by Justice Peter Lifu, cast a shadow on the election’s credibility and raised questions about the compliance of RSIEC with electoral regulations. Nonetheless, RSIEC has remained resolute in its commitment to proceed with the local government elections as initially scheduled for October 5, 2024.
In response to the court’s injunction, the state police command announced it would not provide security for the local elections, referencing the same court order. This announcement posed a potential risk to the electoral process, as security is a critical component of conducting peaceful and orderly elections. However, RSIEC Commissioner for Civil Education/Public Affairs, Tobin Tamunotonye, firmly stated that the local government elections would proceed without delay. Emphasizing the importance of the elections, the commission reaffirmed its legal authority to conduct these elections under the RSIEC Law of 2018, referencing a supporting judgment from the High Court of Rivers State.
RSIEC meticulously outlined the preparations for the local government elections, revealing that they have successfully transported non-sensitive materials to various polling units throughout the state. Additionally, the commission confirmed that the updated 2023 voters’ register is available at all 6,366 polling locations. This proactive approach demonstrates RSIEC’s efforts to ensure that the elections are organized and conducted smoothly, despite potential disruptions caused by recent legal actions. The commission has labeled these elections as critical and emphasized their alignment with orders from the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to RSIEC, polling centers will be open as scheduled, thanks to the timely relocation of electoral materials to their designated distribution points. The commission assured that election staff have access to the necessary voter registers, which is crucial for an orderly election process. The anticipated increase in voter turnout hinges on the electorate’s confidence in the commission’s ability to facilitate the elections under challenging circumstances. RSIEC’s assurances hint at a resilient determination to uphold democratic processes in the face of opposition and legal hurdles.
Moreover, amidst rumors surrounding the resignation of RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), the commission condemned such claims as unfounded and deliberately misleading. In a strong rebuttal, RSIEC clarified that the Chairman remains in position and continues to lead the commission. This assertion aims to bolster public trust in the electoral body and alleviate concerns regarding a potential leadership vacuum at such a critical time. Clarifying its leadership stability is vital for RSIEC as it seeks to reinforce its legitimacy and maintain stakeholder confidence.
In summary, the local government elections in Rivers State have been a point of contention following the Federal High Court’s injunction against the release of the voters’ register to RSIEC. While the state police have indicated that they will not provide security due to the court order, RSIEC remains firm in its commitment to ensure the elections are conducted as planned. By transporting electoral materials to polling units and affirming the availability of the updated voters’ register, RSIEC is making significant efforts to ensure the elections proceed smoothly. The commission’s ongoing fight against misinformation regarding its leadership further seeks to maintain public faith in its authority and election integrity. As October 5, 2024, approaches, the outcome of these preparations and responses to legal and security challenges will be critical in shaping the electoral landscape in Rivers State.
