The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) confirms that local government elections will proceed despite calls from the PDP to halt the process. Sensitive election materials are distributed, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara accuses the Inspector General of Police of attempting to undermine the election for a politician in Abuja.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is set to conduct the local government elections in Rivers State, moving forward despite requests from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to halt the process. Reports indicate that both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials have already been distributed to various Registration and Accreditation Centers (RACs), including the Government Technical College in Ahoada East.
The atmosphere across the state mirrors the typical quietness seen on election days, with noticeably fewer vehicles on the roads. However, the absence of the Nigeria Police Force has raised concerns among residents. Governor Fubara reaffirmed his intention to proceed with the elections, despite the Rivers State Police Command’s withdrawal from monitoring the process. He accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of trying to sabotage the election to benefit a politician from Abuja.
In a statement, the RSIEC has made it clear that the elections will take place as scheduled, urging residents to participate actively and vote according to the regulations outlined in the Electoral Act. The local government elections are a crucial aspect of Nigeria’s democratic process, and the RSIEC aims to ensure a fair and transparent election despite the ongoing tensions. The commission is calling on all eligible voters to embrace their civic duty and contribute to the democratic process in the state.
