The Pilex Centre (The People’s Advocate) has issued a strong statement condemning the planned Local Government elections in Rivers State, calling on residents to boycott what it describes as an “unlawful and unconstitutional” process.
In a press release made available to the media on Monday 21 July, 2025, the advocacy group faulted the legitimacy of the Sole Administrator currently overseeing the affairs of the state, asserting that he lacks the constitutional authority to set up the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), as required under Section 198 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Only an elected governor has the constitutional powers to constitute the RSIEC. The job of the unlawful Sole Administrator should be to maintain peace, not to hijack the political and economic structure of Rivers State on behalf of certain vested interests,” the statement read.
Citing legal precedents from Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Lagos State and Attorney General of Plateau State v. Attorney General of the Federation, the Centre emphasized that the President’s powers under Section 305 of the Constitution do not extend to suspending or removing a sitting governor.
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To underscore this point, the group referenced a recent comment by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan was once advised by his Attorney General and Speaker that he lacked the power to remove even an elected councillor under emergency rule.
PILEX Centre described the current administration in Rivers State as a “product of crass illegality and brash impunity,” asserting that any action taken by the Sole Administrator “will fall with him and drown without any remedy whatsoever.”
Furthermore, the group questioned the credibility of the proposed polls, pointing out that there has been no record of party primaries, nominations, or campaigns in accordance with the electoral timetable.
“PILEX Centre hereby warns the Sole Administrator not to waste taxpayers’ money on an election that will be challenged in court and ultimately nullified,” the statement warned.
In its concluding remarks, the Centre urged the people of Rivers State to “stay away from this illegal regime and its unlawful actions” and to boycott the proposed local government elections completely.
