Fresh protests have emerged against the local government elections in Rivers State, just a day after a pro-election demonstration supporting the electoral process. A new group, primarily composed of youths, gathered on Saturday at the Polo Club area in Port Harcourt, voicing their dissent against the activities managed by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

While a previous protest occurred on Friday, where demonstrators rallied in favor of the elections, the latest assembly called for attention to what they claim is a lack of legitimacy in the electoral process. The protesters assert that they are relying on a judgment from the Abuja Federal High Court, which mandated the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from participating in the elections.

Addressing the crowd, a protester identified as Bobmanuel stated, “We are law-abiding citizens; that’s why we are not participating in the elections. We gathered here to tell the world that there is no local council election in Rivers State.”

ALSO READ: Protesters Storm Rivers Electoral Commission, Demand Election Goes Ahead Despite Police Intervention

As this protest unfolded, the elections continued in all 23 local government areas of Rivers State. Election materials have been distributed to various wards and units, though reports indicate some areas experienced delays in receiving essential materials.

Our correspondent, monitoring the election process, noted that voting began smoothly in Ward 7, Unit 1 in Bagha, Khana Local Government Area. However, in Ward 11 of Kono, also within Khana LGA, electoral materials had not yet arrived. Similarly, voters in multiple units of Rumukalabo in Port Harcourt City LGA were left waiting due to the absence of sensitive election materials.