Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, will proceed as planned, despite a court ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and prohibited security agencies from providing support for the election.
Justice Lifu criticized RSIEC for scheduling the elections without adhering to all relevant legal requirements. However, Governor Fubara dismissed the ruling, stating there was no legal barrier preventing the elections. He encouraged political parties and voters to prepare enthusiastically for the polls.
In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara stressed that the RSIEC had an order mandating the election, assuring that it would be fair and transparent. He also warned against any attempts to disrupt the election, asserting his authority as governor to ensure the process is conducted smoothly.
