The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has declared that there are no court judgments preventing the conduct of local government elections in the state scheduled for October 5, 2024. This affirmation was made by the commission’s Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), during a training session for master trainers aimed at preparing commission staff for the electoral process.
Enebeli’s statement comes in the wake of claims made by Chief Tony Okocha, the sacked chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a recent news briefing, Okocha argued that the impending local government elections were mired in litigation and would therefore not take place. He referenced the court-reinstated state party executive led by Chief Emeka Beka, suggesting that their participation in the elections was unilateral, as the party itself opposed the electoral process.
Dismissing Okocha’s assertions, Enebeli reiterated that the October 5 election date remains firm. He noted that 18 out of 19 political parties are gearing up to participate, with over 300 candidates vying for various positions.
“There is no court judgment restraining us from conducting elections,” Enebeli emphasized, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling that mandates the conduct of democratically elected local government councils. “The Supreme Court has clearly stated that elections should be conducted in all states that have not done so. The consequences for failing to comply are significant.”
He further explained the legal framework governing the elections, referencing Section 60(2) of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Law of 2018, which states that no court proceedings may impede the conduct of elections or primaries. Enebeli insisted, “No judgment against the conduct of the election exists. The Supreme Court has instructed us to proceed, and so, by the grace of God, October 5, 2024, is a date we are committed to.”
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Additionally, the RSIEC chairman noted that the election would be conducted in accordance with the SIEC Law, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) obliged to provide the necessary voter register for the electoral process.
With this announcement, the RSIEC aims to reassure Rivers residents and political stakeholders of the forthcoming local government elections, emphasizing the importance of democratic governance at the local level. The commission’s preparations are in full swing as it seeks to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
