Rivers LGAs crisis: RSIEC announces plan to conduct local govt election

• In a public notice signed by Enebeli and made available to newsmen, RSIEC said plans to conduct local government polls are underway

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission on Thursday disclosed that it would conduct local government election soon.

The Chairman of the state’s Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, made the disclosure on Thursday.

It will be recalled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday swore in caretaker committee chairmen in the 23 local government areas after the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen who are loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

During the swearing-in, Fubara had said their tenure would be short because the local government election would hold soon.

He said, “Let me also sound it very clear here that your tenures are not going to be too long because as a matter of fact before the end of today (Wednesday) or tomorrow (Thursday), there should be a process for the commencement of elective local government chairmen in our dear state.”

However, since the expiration of the tenure of the former local government chairmen, Rivers has been enveloped by uncertainty, unrest and chaos as some of the chairmen vowed not to leave office and stay on for another six months.

At least two persons have died as clashes broke out between supporters of Fubara and those of the local government chairmen, hence the takeover of the local government headquarters by the police to forestall further breach of public peace and breakdown of law and order.

But in a public notice signed by Enebeli and made available to newsmen, RSIEC said plans to conduct local government polls are underway.

Enebeli in the notice called on all political parties and stakeholders to attend a meeting fixed for next month.

The Chairman of the Commission disclosed that the commission would unveil the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections during the meeting scheduled to hold on July 1.

The notice reads, “The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebell, hereby invites: Leaders of all registered Political Parties, Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies, Religious Organizations, the Media, Professional Organizations, Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations Community Based Groups and the Electorate to general stakeholders meeting on Monday, 1s July, 2024 at the RSIEC Headquarters, 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt by 10.00 am prompt.

“The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in the state. All concerned should be seated at the RSIEC Auditorium by 09:45 am, please.”