By Sunday Elijah
Ahead of its Local Government elections, the River State Government has declared Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, as public holidays. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday 5th October for the conduct of Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in all the 23 LGAs. In the state.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday said the holiday was to enable residents travel to their communities and participate in the elections.
He also ordered restriction on vehicular movement from Friday midnight, October 4, until 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, to ensure smooth and peaceful elections. Only individuals with valid identification on essential or election duties will be exempt from the restrictions.
Governor Fubara emphasized that the elections were in line with the Supreme Court ruling in SC/CV/343/2024, which mandates that Local Government Councils be administered by democratically elected officials, not caretaker committees.
Mr. Fubara urged all registered voters to exercise their civic rights by turning out to vote, assuring them that security personnel would be deployed to maintain peace throughout the election process. He also warned that anyone who violates the movement restrictions on election day will face arrest and prosecution.
The Governor reaffirming the state’s commitment to upholding democracy, ensuring that the local government elections proceed without interference, while maintaining peace across the state.
