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Rivers LG Polls: RSIEC Clears 16 Political Parties
The stage is now set for the August 30 local government elections in Rivers State as the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) approved 16 political parties and their candidates for the election following a screening exercise held between August 8 and 12 in Port Harcourt.
In a statement signed by RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Michael Odey, the commission confirmed the inclusion of major parties such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party, and others.
He, however, said that not all cleared parties are fielding candidates across 23 local government areas in the State.
The PDP is presenting only three chairmanship candidates including Dr. Gift Worlu in Obio/Akpor LGA; Allwell Ihunda in Port Harcourt City Council, and Chukwu Ogbugu in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
Meanwhile, the APC is fielding candidates who had previously served as chairmen in 20 local government councils.
Prominent APC figures in the race include Confidence Deko in Gokana, Dr. Chidi Lloyd in Emohua, Obari Ollormate in Eleme, Akuro Tobins in Okrika, and Dr. Thomas Bari-ara, among others.
The Labour Party and other cleared parties are participating in select LGAs only.
Odey called on all political parties and candidates to verify the official list at RSIEC headquarters, appealing to civil society organisatios and security agencies to work together in ensuring a credible electoral process.
He emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency and urged stakeholders to play their part in safeguarding electoral integrity.
The Tide reports that this high-stake election comes just weeks before the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on Rivers State, following the suspension of the State Executive Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The council poll is being overseen by the State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).
King Onunwor