The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced that local government elections will be held on October 5. On Monday, the commission released its guidelines for the conduct of these elections.
This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in the local government area councils, with police maintaining a presence at the secretariats due to leadership disputes.
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Following the end of the terms for the elected chairmen and councillors in the 23 local government areas, Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara appointed Caretaker Committees to manage the councils until the elections.
The decision to appoint these committees led to protests from the outgoing chairmen, who are supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
They argue that the State Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, had extended their tenure by six months under the now-repealed Local Government Administration law.
In preparation for the elections, RSIEC has been engaging with political party leaders and key stakeholders in the state to ensure a smooth electoral process.
