Rivers begins preparation for Local Govt election after Wike men’s exit

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission says it has commenced the process to conduction local government elections.

This is contained in a public notice signed by the Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd) and sent to newsmen last night.

This comes barely 24-hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara swore in caretaker committee chairmen following the exit of local government chairmen who are loyalists of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reports Daily Trust.

During the swearing in, Fubara had said their tenure would not be long because the local government election would hold soon.

Fubara had said, “Let me also sound it very clear here that your tenures are not going to be too long because as a matter of fact before the end of today (Wednesday) or tomorrow (Thursday) there should be a process for the commencement of elective local government chairmen in our dear state.”

Enebeli in the notice called on all political parties and stakeholders to attend a meeting fixed for next month.

The Chairman of the Commission noted that the meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2024, at the RSIEC Headquarters along Aba Road in Port Harcourt.

He disclosed that at the meeting, the commission would unveil the time-table and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in the state.

Enebeli added that all leaders of all registered Political Parties, Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies as well as Religious Organisations and the media are invited.

The notice reads, “The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebell, hereby invites: Leaders of all registered Political Parties, Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies, Religious Organizations, The Media, Professional Organizations, Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations Community Based Groups and the Electorate to a general stakeholders meeting on Monday, 1s July, 2024 at the RSIEC Headquarters, 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt by 10.00am prompt.

“The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the time-table and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in the State. All concerned should be seated at the RSIEC Auditorium by 09:45am, please.”