April Date For LG Polls, Sacrosanct, RSIEC Vows

The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Hon Justice George Omereji (rtd), has vowed that the Saturday, April 17, 2021 date slated for the forthcoming local government elections in the state remains sacrosanct.
Speaking to newsmen after an interactive session with the Council of Government Recognised Traditional Rulers, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Omereji assured that the election would hold according to the timetable, adding that so far, there was nothing to suggest otherwise.
“There is nothing like shifting of election. Some people are saying shifting, postponing. We are not postponing anything. We are still in order, according to the timetable”.
Commenting on dissident political parties, the RSIEC chairman said the commission has been talking with all political parties, adding that there has been mutual understanding.
“I have been talking to them. I have even told them that it is not RSIEC’s fault. It is INEC’s fault. That if they want to go to court, they should go to court, and sue INEC because it was INEC that delisted them, not RSIEC. RSIEC has no right to delist any party”, he argued.
He described the interactive session as a success, noting that the traditional rulers have assured the commission of support to make the election peaceful.
“It was a very wonderful interactive meeting with the royal fathers. They have assured us that they are going to talk with their community people so that there will be peaceful election”, he said.
Earlier in his opening address, Omereji had noted the key role which traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, order and security in various communities, and solicited their support in making the forthcoming local government polls peaceful.
“It is our strong conviction that you know how better to communicate with them, to persuade, to nudge, to influence them unto the right path.
“We want Rivers people to use the opportunity offered by the forthcoming elections to choose who their ward councillors should be; who should be their LGA chairman.
“They should elect credible and responsible people who can deliver to them the dividends of democracy. Leaders who will conceive, plan and execute meaningful projects to enhance the living standards of the people”.
In his reaction, the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, expressed the readiness of the traditional rulers in the state to ensure that there would be peaceful election.
The royal father, who is also Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, charged the commission to give a level playing ground to all political parties and candidates contesting in the election.
“Though this is a local election, but it is expected that they show good example to other states by giving level playing ground to all parties and candidates”, he stated.

By: Chris Oluoh