Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed that the local government elections scheduled for October 5 will proceed as planned, despite recent court orders attempting to halt the process. He asserted that there are no legal barriers preventing the elections from taking place.
In a statement made following an inspection of the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, Governor Fubara encouraged political parties, candidates, and voters to engage enthusiastically in the electoral process. He emphasized the importance of citizens casting their votes for their preferred candidates, who will assume leadership roles at the local council level.
This assurance comes in the wake of a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold the 2023 Voter’s Register from the Rivers State Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the upcoming polls.
Governor Fubara addressed RSIEC staff, acknowledging the rumors surrounding potential disruptions to the electoral activities and warned those contemplating such actions to reconsider. He emphasized the need for accountability and integrity in the electoral process, stating, “What is important to me is the interest of Rivers State. It doesn’t belong to anybody… If we make a mistake today, it is going to live with us forever.”
Fubara reiterated that the RSIEC is a body dedicated to the people of Rivers State and expressed his commitment to ensure the elections are conducted fairly and peacefully. He urged any individuals with concerns or issues to communicate directly with him, promising to personally intervene if necessary.
