Politics
LG Polls Hold In Rivers, April 17
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has fixed April 17, 2021 for elections into the 23 local government councils in Rivers State.
The commission has also announced May 22, 2021 as date for the first run-off of chairmanship election in the state.
The commission disclosed this on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting and formal declaration of Election Timetable and Guidelines held at the RSIEC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The commission also disclosed that election into wards with no nominated candidate and adjourned poll in cases where election did not hold would both take place on May 22, 2021.
The second run-off for chairmanship election, according to the 2021 election timetable read out by the RSIEC, would hold on May 29, 2021.
The Tide reports that the three-year tenure of the present chairmen and councillors of local government councils in the state which began on June 18, 2018, will expire on June 18, 2021.
The chairman of the commission, Hon. Justice George O. Omereji (rtd), while declaring the stakeholders’ meeting open, urged all the registered political parties in the state to cooperate with RSIEC towards successful conduct of the local government election in the state.
He assured political parties, voters and all stakeholders of the commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair and credible local government election in the state.
“We shall organise and conduct free, fair and credible elections into the 23 local government councils. We shall provide equal opportunities/level playing ground to all the registered political parties. We shall be firm, resolute and impartial. We are men and women of proven track record and we have our reputation to protect”, he assured.
Justice Omereji who was impressed by the large turnout at the stakeholders’ meeting, urged the people of the state to “come out en masse to exercise their franchise in a most peaceful and orderly manner devoid of ill-will, rancour and/or violence”.
He said the commission had secured the assurances of all the security agencies in the state towards violence-free poll in the state.
Eighteen registered political parties attended the stakeholders’ meeting and promised to work in harmony with RSIEC.
Some stakeholders who attended the meeting raised concerns about the security of votes and voters during the election, urging the commission to work in synergy with the security agents in the state.
In his response, Justice Omereji assured that political parties and voters of adequate security during next year’s local government election.
According to him, the commission has held meetings with the heads of all security agencies in the state and has secured their assurances to protect both lives and electoral materials during the election.
By: Boye Salau
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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