The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has strongly denied claims that its chairman, Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli, has resigned just hours before the scheduled Local Government (LG) elections. These rumours had been circulating on social media, raising concerns over the commission’s readiness to conduct the polls.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 4, 2024, by RSIEC’s Commissioner of Civic Education, Tamunotony Profit Tobins, the commission labeled the resignation reports as false and misleading. The statement clarified that Justice Enebeli remains firmly in charge and that preparations for the Saturday, October 5, elections are progressing as planned.
“False, Baseless, and Fabricated Lies”
RSIEC wasted no time in addressing the rumours, calling them “mischievously false, baseless, and a fabricated lie from the pit of hell.” The commission noted that the misinformation was aimed at misleading the public and potentially disrupting the electoral process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli DSSRS (RTD), is still in charge and has not resigned, as maliciously circulated across the media space,” RSIEC stated firmly.
The commission emphasized that it has completed critical stages of its election preparations, including the transportation of non-sensitive materials across the state and the posting of the updated 2023 voter registers in all 6,366 polling units across Rivers State’s 23 Local Government Areas.
Election Preparations Moving Forward
In a display of its readiness for the elections, RSIEC reassured the public that all essential logistics have been mobilized. According to the commission, non-sensitive materials have already been delivered to designated areas, and polling units are prepared for voters to cast their ballots on Saturday.
“We have concluded a critical aspect of tomorrow’s election, which culminated in our successful distribution of non-sensitive materials and the mobilization of election logistics ahead of voting tomorrow,” the statement read.
RSIEC also stressed that voter registers have been posted at all polling units, ensuring that everything is in place for a smooth voting process. The commission encouraged residents of Rivers State to exercise their democratic right by participating in the election and abiding by electoral laws.
The Importance of the Election
RSIEC took the opportunity to remind the public that the upcoming election is crucial, not just for the local government areas but for the state’s democracy as a whole. The election is backed by a Supreme Court order, as well as the 2018 RSIEC Law, the ruling of the Rivers State High Court, and the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the commission to organize and oversee local government elections.
“This election is critical and in line with the order on RSIEC from the Supreme Court of Nigeria to ensure the conduct of the election, the RSIEC Law of 2018, the judgment of Hon. Justice I.P.C. Igwe of the High Court of Rivers State delivered on 4th September 2024, and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” the statement explained.
RSIEC was unequivocal in its determination to see the election through, stating, “For the avoidance of doubt, we emphasize unequivocally that the 5th October 2024 Local Government Council Elections in Rivers State will hold as scheduled, and there is no going back.”
Political Landscape Ahead of the Polls
The lead-up to the LG elections in Rivers State has been marked by heightened political activity. Political parties, candidates, and supporters have been preparing for what is expected to be a keenly contested election across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are the two dominant parties in Rivers State. Both have been actively mobilizing voters and canvassing for support. The LG election offers an opportunity for these parties to solidify their presence in local politics and build momentum ahead of future state and national elections.
With the RSIEC confirming the release of political party cards and ensuring that materials are in place at distribution points, the stage is set for the people of Rivers State to head to the polls.
RSIEC Urges Peaceful Participation
RSIEC used the opportunity to call on the electorate to participate peacefully in the election. The commission reiterated the need for voters, candidates, and supporters to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, ensuring a smooth and transparent voting process.
“As Rivers people head to the polls in the next few hours, we implore all candidates, supporters, and the general public to exercise their franchise in strict compliance with the Electoral Law,” RSIEC urged.
The commission reassured the public that voting centers would open on time as scheduled, and materials have been distributed to all polling units. The focus, RSIEC emphasized, is on ensuring that the election is free, fair, and devoid of any disruptions.
