Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has declared Thursday and Friday public holidays to facilitate residents’ participation in the upcoming local government elections on Saturday. The governor confirmed that the elections will proceed as planned, despite a Federal High Court ruling barring the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) from conducting the poll.

During a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, Fubara emphasized the need for residents to travel to their communities to vote, with vehicular movement restricted from midnight Friday until 5 p.m. on Saturday. His spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi, shared the broadcast text with local media.

RSIEC Gains Access to Voter Register Despite Court Ruling

A recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC, casting uncertainty over the election’s logistics. However, Governor Fubara visited RSIEC headquarters shortly after the ruling, reiterating his commitment to holding the election on schedule. According to Fubara, RSIEC already possesses the voter register and is fully prepared for the polls.

“The legal backing of RSIEC to conduct local elections was reinforced by the Rivers State High Court’s ruling in September,” Fubara said. “The court mandated the use of the 2023 INEC voters’ register, which is already in RSIEC’s custody.”

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Urgency to Conduct Elections

Governor Fubara highlighted the importance of conducting the elections before the Supreme Court’s October 31 deadline, which prevents state governments from administering local governments with appointed officials. “Several states have already complied by holding local elections, and we must avoid missing this deadline,” he stressed.

Seventeen out of the 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), are expected to participate in the election.

Political Tensions Rise as Wike Opposes Election

The political climate in Rivers State has become increasingly charged, as former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, along with his supporters, have expressed opposition to the elections. Wike’s long-standing rivalry with Governor Fubara over control of the state’s political machinery has fueled tensions leading up to the election.

Governor Fubara assured citizens that the state has provided the necessary funds, logistics, and security to ensure the elections are free, fair, and peaceful. “We are leaving no stone unturned to allow all registered voters to exercise their civic responsibility at their polling units,” Fubara affirmed.