The Supreme Court’s declaration of autonomy for local governments in Nigeria has led to governors conducting local government elections in their states, including four states: Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Benue, and Jigawa.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
There is a special focus in Rivers, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in the state, withdrew from participation. The party in focus is the All People’s Party (APP). The All Progressives Congress (APP) is also said to be in the race.
Protest breaks out in Rivers amid election
Hundreds of stakeholders opposed to the conduct of the local government elections in Rivers State have trooped to the streets to protest Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s decision to proceed with the controversial exercise.
The stakeholders, mostly chieftains and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike, first gathered at the Polo Club in Yenagoa before embarking on the protest.
Panic as thugs burn AKISIEC office in Akwa Ibom
Few hours to the commencement of the local government election in Akwa Ibom, hoodlums have razed the State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) office in Ibiatuk, Ibiono Ibom local government area.
According to The Nation, Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations officer ASP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident, however, said no life was lost and electoral materials were not affected.
Court can’t stop police from Rivers LG election
An analyst on Channels TV has said that the court cannot stop the police from discharging their duties in the Rivers state local government election.
See his response here:
Caretaker Committee Chairman of Port Harcourt LGA and (Chairmanship candidate of the APP) commends RSIEC after casting his vote at Ward 18, units 14 and 15.
See the video here:
Atiku speaks on Rivers LG election
Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, has described the Saturday, October 5, local government election in Rivers state as a beacon of hope for the people of the state.
The PDP 2023 presidential candidate then called on the people of the state to come out in their numbers to participate in the election.
See Atiku’s full statement here:
People out in Ikoku area of Port Harcourt
This is what the Ikoku area of Mile 3 in Port Harcourt looks like this morning ahead of the Rivers LG polls.
See the video here:
Accreditation and voting begin at the Ikoku area (units 14 and 15) in Port Harcourt City (Ward 18).
See the video here:
RISIEC distributes electoral material
The RSIEC Commissioner munotonye says that sensitive materials have moved to various LGAs.
See the video here:
Voters turn out in Port Harcourt
Voters are waiting for the arrival of materials at a polling unit in Port Harcourt.
See the video here:
NSCDC to provide security in Rivers
The NSCDC is expected to provide security for the Rivers LG elections after police authorities said they won’t be doing so in line with a court verdict.
This came amid the controversies between the Rivers state governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Inspector General of Police.
See the report here:
The RSIEC Commissio munotonye, says that sensitive materials have moved to various LGAs.#CTVTweets #RiversLGPolls pic.twitter.com/bqsdLjCwaF
— Channels Television (@channelstv) October 5, 2024
RISIEC confirms election will hold
Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) confirms local government elections will proceed as scheduled on October 5th, 2024, despite police withdrawal due to a court order.
According to Channels TV, RSIEC cites its law and a High Court judgment to assert its authority to conduct the elections.