By Milcah Tanimu

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially announced that local government elections in the state will be held on October 5, 2024. The announcement was made by RSIEC Chairman Adolphus Enebeli during a stakeholder meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Enebeli emphasized the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. He urged all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to adhere to the rules and regulations governing the electoral process. The RSIEC Chairman also highlighted the importance of the local government elections in ensuring grassroots development and democratic governance.

“The RSIEC is fully prepared to ensure that the local government elections are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people. We call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the commission to achieve this goal,” Enebeli stated.

The announcement was met with varied reactions from political parties and civil society organizations present at the meeting. Representatives from different parties expressed their readiness to participate in the elections and called for a level playing field.

The October 5 election date provides ample time for political parties to conduct their primaries and select candidates for the various local government positions. The RSIEC has assured that all necessary logistics, including voter education and distribution of election materials, will be handled efficiently to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Enebeli also addressed concerns about security during the elections, stating that the commission is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of voters and election officials. He urged residents of Rivers State to participate actively in the electoral process and exercise their civic duty by voting.

The forthcoming local government elections are crucial for the development of the state, as they will determine the leadership at the grassroots level, which plays a significant role in implementing policies and programs that directly affect the lives of the citizens.

Further details about the election process, including guidelines for candidates and political parties, will be released by RSIEC in the coming weeks.

Details soon…