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Rivers Guber Election: INEC Lists Timeline For Conclusion …Resumes Results Collation, Announcement April 2,5 …Re-Run Polls To Hold April 13 …Court Rejects AAC’s Move To Stop Results Collation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally released the much awaited timeline for the completion of the electoral processes in Rivers State.
Consequently, the commission has said that it would resume collation of Rivers State governorship election results on April 2, and announce the same on April 5.
The Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mr Festus Okoye, who disclosed this during a press conference at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, said that the venue for the collation and announcement of results would be decided at a meeting with critical stakeholders on March 30.
The INEC national commissioner stated that the commission would hold an inter-agency security meeting on March 29, after which guidelines would be issued on the election, adding that efforts would also be made to undertake the revalidation of polling agents and observers.
He said that the electoral body would conduct supplementary elections on April 13 in local government areas where elections could not hold on March 9.
Okoye explained that such decision to conduct supplementary election where necessary, and in some constituencies not affected by litigation, would depend on the outcome of results collation in the state.
He further said that certificates of return would be issued to successful candidates on April 19.
Okoye also said that the commission was set to deploy national commissioners in various states where supplementary election would take place on March 23, to monitor the process and present certificates of return to the winners.
It would be recalled that supplementary elections had been scheduled for Plateau, Benue, Kano, Sokoto, as well as Adamawa and Bauchi, but litigations have put question marks on the possibility of any rerun polls for Bauchi and Adamawa this weekend.
However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) elders in Rivers State have come hard on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of working with extraneous forces to shift the date of collation of results of the March 9 governorship election to April 2.
They warned that doing so was tantamount to deliberately precipitating constitutional crisis and setting the state on fire.
It would be recalled that INEC had earlier set March 20 date for the commencement of collation of results for the governorship/state assembly election which it suspended as a result controversy over the alleged infamous role played by security agencies at collation centres in the state.
But in what appears a twist, yesterday, the commission announced that it would resume collation of the results on April 2, and announce results arising therefrom on April 5.
The Rivers State African Action Congress (AAC/APC) alliance, led by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi had approached an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Inyang Ekpo for an ex-parte order restraining INEC from going ahead with the collation and announcement of results of the election, a motion the judge rejected.
INEC said it had already collated the results of 17 local government areas and would conclude the collation of remaining councils as soon as possible.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, the elders, including former governor of the state, Sir Celestine Omehia, former minister of transport, Abiye Sekibo, Chairman of the state’s chapter of PDP, Bro Felix Obua and Sergeant Awuse, accused INEC of dancing to the tune of extraneous forces and working to set the state on fire by shifting the collation date to April 2.
The elders described as dishonourable and shameful the decision of the commission to recant from its earlier promise to start the collation of results of the election on March 20.
“What INEC wants to do is to precipitate crisis in Rivers State. It is now clear that it has bowed to extraneous forces,” Obuah said.
Warning that INEC was treading on a dangerous ground with the shift in the date of the collation of results, the elders said INEC’s move has the potential of setting it against the people of the state.
Meanwhile, a coalition under the auspices of Civil Society Election Observers in Rivers State has urged INEC to make provision in extant legislation that would encourage electronic voting in Nigeria in the 2023 General Election.
The coalition, while revealing details of its findings in its iReport Platform during a press conference in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, emphasised the merit of electronic voting, adding that when adopted, it would reduce election violence and negative activities associated with it.
Speaking in an interview, the group’s spokesperson, Ogunduesi Nwoke, said that electronic voting would solve the challenge of massive rigging and widespread violence during elections.
Nwoke stated that the platform was requesting INEC to set up a panel of inquiry to determine the undue involvement of the Nigerian Army and police in the 2019 General Election, particularly in Rivers State.
Speaking at the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to end the pattern of inconclusive elections and conclude that of Rivers and Bauchi states.
Secondus, who led the National Working Committee of the PDP, during a courtesy visit to Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, urged the electoral body not to cause a crisis with the manoeuvring of results.
“I call on the Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu not to set this country into crisis because of inconclusive elections. It has never happened in the history of our country.
“This manoeuvring and inconclusive election, even elections concluded and done with, results cannot be collated at the headquarters in Rivers and Bauchi. He should move ahead to conclude these elections immediately so that the people can be at peace and rest.”
However, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, alleged that some persons in the state are making attempts to stop the process of result collation by INEC.
“Attempts have been made to stop collation as announced by INEC. This morning the political parties that contested the elections with us, have all gone to court to seek for stopping of collation. But the court did not grant them.
“But we prefer the move because it is the due process. The pain is the antics by security agencies trying to intimidate collation and electoral officers, inviting them for one offence of the other so as to impede on the collation of results,” Wike added.
Meanwhile, Justice Inyang Ekpo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has denied an application filed by the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Biokpomabo Awara, seeking to stop the collation of results for the March 9 Rivers State Governorship and House of Assembly elections.
Ekpo held that the application brought before the court was such that the court cannot grant without hearing from the other party.
The plaintiff, represented by Tawo Tawo, in an ex-parte application, had prayed for an order to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from going ahead to resume, conclude and announce the results.
But the judge, after listening to the submission of the plaintiffs, chose not to grant their prayers.
Instead, the judge ordered the plaintiffs to put the respondents on notice on the suit, and fixed March 25, for both the plaintiffs and respondents to appear before him to present their positions.
Earlier, Ekpo had drawn the attention of the plaintiffs’ counsel to news making the round that he had already stopped the electoral body from going ahead to take further action.
The judge also drew the attention of the senior counsel to one Inyang Ewa, who granted the purported order, but the counsel denied the existence of such name as a Federal High Court judge.
Ekpo subsequently reprimanded those behind the fake news, adding that it was wrong for anybody or group to resort to self-help because such had been prohibited in the judiciary.
The plaintiffs had in their originating summons prayed the court to stop INEC from resuming collation and conclusion of the March 9 election results in Rivers State and from declaring any person or group as winners of the poll.
The plaintiffs specifically applied for an order compelling the electoral body to maintain the suspension of the electoral processes as announced on March 10.
The Governor stated this yesterday when he received in audience, the World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler; his wife, Andriene Marques Kohler; daughter Mariana Marques Kohler and a retinue of ministers of the church at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara who hailed the Seventh Day Adventist Church for its contributions to education and the grooming of future leaders in Nigeria, expressed delight that the Church had over the years, been investing in education at various levels and currently runs two universities in the country.
He commended the church for not only using its institutions to spread the gospel of Christianity but to groom future leaders for the country.
According to him, religion should not be just about defending one’s faith, but also making meaningful impact on the lives of the people.
He said that by floating these educational institutions, the church has demonstrated capacity to support Nigeria in the task of producing not only educated people but a breed of God-fearing leaders.
“Our country is where it is today because we lack the fear of God. If you have the fear of God, there should be a limit to what you can do because you understand the supremacy of God. But when God is not in your equation, you’ll go beyond the line and that is what has brought us to where we are today.
“So, I feel very happy that you are contributing to the development of our future leaders in this country. We need the right people being in the right place; prepared properly with good minds; that is what we need, not just in Nigeria but round the whole world.,” he said.
Governor Fubara further observed that the absence of God-fearing people in high places to take the right decisions that could impact positively on the society, has also given rise to other problems such as social inequality, poverty, corruption and criminality. According to him, Nigeria needs a system where the average parent could afford quality education for their children and a guarantee that upon graduation, the average child will have the capacity to compete favourably with anybody, anywhere in the world.
“If we have a situation where the little money that you’re being paid as wage can also afford you quality healthcare and after working at least for 15-20 years, you have a roof over your head, tell me why you should be involved in any kind of crime? At that point, you’ll feel secured and this attitude of insecurity about the future that leads to all the social vices we have today won’t be there,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and for their prayers for Rivers State, assuring them of his continued support for their programmes in the state.
Leader of the delegation and World President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Erton Kohler said he was in Nigeria for a special conference of the church during which thousands of the church’s ministers will be undergoing an empowerment programme to further equip them for the task of herding their flocks and serving the society.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception accorded his entourage, saying the memory of the visit will linger in his mind for a lifetime.
Kohler disclosed that the Church has over twenty -four million (24,000,000) members and more than 182,000 places of worship, spread across 212 countries of the world.
This reaffirms the lawmakers’ commitment to enacting laws and taking legislative actions geared towards the overall development of the State.
The Assembly gave the approval during its Second Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session held last Friday.
Speaking on the MTEF document during plenary, the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, noted that by the provision of Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, the MTEF ought to have been laid before the House in September 2025.
Amaewhule explained that traditionally, the document is expected to be presented four months before the commencement of the next financial year and immediately after the expiration of every three-year fiscal cycle.
He, however, stated that in the interest of the State and its people, the House considered it necessary to deliberate on the document, describing it as a precursor to the 2026 Budget Estimates.
The Speaker expressed concern that the year had already progressed significantly before the presentation of the framework.
During deliberations on the document, members examined the assumptions and projections contained in the MTEF and observed that strict adherence to the outlined fiscal parameters would ultimately serve the interest of Rivers people.
The lawmakers maintained that effective implementation of the framework would promote prudent financial management and enhance developmental planning across the State.
Following the debate and positive consideration by members, the Speaker put the question to the House and members voted overwhelmingly in support of the approval of the MTEF.
Meanwhile, during the same sitting last Friday, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr. Gift Worlu.
The petition was presented by the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi.
According to the petition, concerns were raised over an imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and alleged forceful takeover of property by some lawless persons within parts of the Local Government Area.
Presenting the petition before the House, Hon. Amadi appealed to the lawmakers to revisit the matter and take necessary steps aimed at safeguarding lives and property in the affected communities.
The House is expected to further deliberate on the petition and consider measures to address the concerns raised in order to sustain peace and security in the area.
King Onunwor
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JUNE 12: Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Strongest Path To Unity, Progress, Says Fubara ….Extols Abiola, Wife
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, given the country’s rich diversity of ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.
In a goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara said June 12 represents far more than a historic date; as it embodies the enduring struggle, sacrifice, and collective aspiration of Nigerians for freedom, justice, and representative governance.
The Governor extended warm felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle, particularly Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and countless others whose courage and sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, “June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today. The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and many other patriots who laid the foundation for the democratic journey we continue to enjoy today. Their commitment to the principle that power must ultimately reside with the people remains a source of inspiration for every generation of Nigerians.”
Governor Fubara noted that thirty-three years after the historic June 12, 1993 election, Nigeria’s democratic experiment has continued to evolve despite challenges and setbacks.
“Our democratic journey has not been without difficulties, but the resilience of our institutions and the determination of our people have kept the nation moving forward. The ability to express differing opinions, engage in constructive debate, and peacefully choose leaders through the ballot remains one of the greatest achievements of our nation,” he said.
Governor Fubara stressed that democracy provides the best framework for managing Nigeria’s diversity and transforming it into a source of national strength.
“Nigeria’s diversity should never be seen as a weakness. Properly harnessed, it is our greatest asset. Democracy offers us the opportunity to build consensus, promote inclusion, strengthen national unity, and create the conditions for sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts aimed at economic revitalization, strengthening security, and deepening democratic institutions across the country.
He reiterated the readiness of Rivers State to continue partnering with the Federal Government in advancing policies and programmes that improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure development, job creation, enhanced security, quality education, healthcare delivery, and good governance.
The Governor further called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or religious belief, to use the occasion of Democracy Day to renew their commitment to the Nigerian project and the ideals that underpin democratic governance.
“Democracy must not be viewed merely as a periodic electoral exercise. It must be reflected in our daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, respect for the rule of law, and responsible leadership. As citizens and leaders, we all share a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging citizens to remain united, hopeful, and committed to the values of peace, dialogue, and national development.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” he said.