The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has revealed that it has begun the process of conducting local government elections in the state.
According to a public notice signed by Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.) and sent to newsmen on Wednesday night,.
This comes just 24 hours after State Governor Siminalayi Fubara swore in caretaker committee chairmen for the 23 LG council, stating that their tenure will end.
This development comes 24 hours after the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, while swearing in caretaker committee chairmen for the 23 LG council, said their tenure will not be long as the local government election will be held soon.
Fubara stated, “Let me also make 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.”
The tenure of the elected chairmen and councillors of the 23 local government areas of the state expired on Monday, the 17th, which had triggered a crisis in the state for three days running.
In the notice, the Chairman of the Commission called on all political parties and stakeholders to attend a meeting fixed for next month.
Enebili also stated that the meeting will take place on July 1st, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the RSIEC Headquarters on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He stated that the meeting would unveil the timetable and guidelines for the state’s 2024 local government elections.
Enebeli further disclosed that all leaders of all registered political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organisations, and the media are invited.
The notice reads, “The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebell, hereby invites: Leaders of all registered political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organisations, the media, professional organisations, civil society groups, non-governmental organisations, community-based groups, and the electorate to a general stakeholders meeting on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the RSIEC Headquarters, 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt, by 10 a.m.
“The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 local government elections in the state. All concerned should be seated at the RSIEC Auditorium by 09:45 am, please.”