The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has set the date for local government elections to October 5, 2024. This announcement was made on Monday during a stakeholder meeting at the RSIEC premises in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.
The announcement follows the recent appointment of caretaker committee chairmen by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 23 local government areas of the state. These appointments were made after the tenure of the former council chairmen expired on July 17, 2024.
The appointments have sparked a crisis, as former council chairmen loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike have refused to vacate their positions. They argue that Law No. 2, enacted by the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, extended their tenure by six months.
As the legal dispute awaits a final judgment in the Federal High Court, the Nigerian Police have taken control of all 23 local government secretariats to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Following the announcement, Rivers State joined the league of five states put of six in the south-south geopolitical zone that have held and are gearing up for local government elections.
