The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), on Monday, July 1, 2024, revealed that the local government elections will commence on October 5.
Furthermore, the commission released its guidelines in view of the conduct of the LGA elections in the state.
This announcement comes amidst the ongoing local government succession crisis occasioned by the conflict between the state Governor, Siminialayi Fubara and the Martins Amaewhule-led lawmakers.
Governor Fubara had recently inaugurated caretaker committees to run the affairs of the local government areas.
However, the ousted chairmen were still laying claims to their seats following the six-month tenure elongation granted them by the Martins Amaewhule-led lawmakers.
Also Read:Â Rivers Electoral Commission Begins Preparation For LG Elections
To avert bloody clashes, the police had since taken over all the 23 secretariats of local government areas in the state.
This move is pending the forthcoming judgement of the Court of Appeal.
The development had sparked protests by the outgone chairmen, who are believed to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The chairmen are insisting that the Martins Amaewhule-led State Assembly had extended their tenure by six months in their repealed Local Government Administration law of the state.
However, RSIEC met with the leaders of political parties and major stakeholders in the state in order to conduct the election in the state.
