Ahead of the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State, an Abuja-based court has barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the 2023 voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
This ruling which favours former Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike in his political feud with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, follows a prior order from a High Court in Port Harcourt, which directed RSIEC to proceed with the local government elections using the 2023 voters’ register.
Read Also: Court Clears RSIEC To Hold Rivers LG Election October 5, Wike Heads To Court To Challenge Judgment
The order was issued by Justice I. Igwe on September 4, 2024, in a case brought by the Action People’s Party (APP) against RSIEC, the Rivers State Government, and the Governor of Rivers State.
A High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had ordered the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to use the 2023 voters’ register for the upcoming local government elections.
The court also directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to provide necessary security during the election.
Justice I. Igwe of High Court 14 issued the orders in a case filed by the Action People’s Party (APP) against RSIEC, the Rivers State Government, and the Governor of Rivers State.
The judge ruled that the defendants are obligated, under Section 7(1) of the Constitution and Section 5(A) of the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018, to make provisions and conduct local government elections promptly, particularly following the expiration of the previous officials’ tenure on June 17.
The court referenced the Federal Government’s recent directive for states to hold local government elections within three months, in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy.
The court urged RSIEC to finalize arrangements for the election, scheduled for October 5, 2024.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
