The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially scheduled October 5 as the date for the conduct of local government elections across the state.
This announcement follows a series of consultations and preparations aimed at ensuring a smooth election process.
In a statement released on Monday, the RSIEC outlined comprehensive guidelines designed to govern the upcoming board elections.
The commission’s decision comes amid tensions surrounding leadership within the local government council.
Currently, police officers remain stationed at local government council secretariats, a move implemented in response to the leadership crisis that has gripped the councils. The crisis escalated after the expiration of the tenure of elected chairmen and councilors in the state’s 23 local government areas.
The LG chairmen are determined to stay in office, relying on a controversial law passed by 27 lawmakers loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike that grants them a six-month extension to their terms.
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In response, Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara who had elected the Speaker to vacate office and hand it over to the Director of Local Government Administration, inaugurated an Interim Committee to oversee the interim council until fresh elections could be held.
The situation is not without controversy, as the outgoing chairmen, who sided with Wike, have contested their removal. They argue that their tenure was extended by six months under the provisions of the state’s since-repealed Local Government Administration Act, a claim denied by the RSIEC.
With the date now set, all eyes are on the RSIEC to conduct elections that reflect the will of the people amidst a backdrop of ongoing political tensions and legal disputes.
Rivers sets local government election date amid leadership tussle first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.
