Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, as public holidays to enable residents to travel to their communities and participate in the upcoming Local Government elections, scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024. The Governor made this announcement during a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, October 2.
In addition to the public holidays, Governor Fubara has ordered a strict restriction on vehicular movement from midnight on Friday, October 4, until 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, to ensure smooth and peaceful elections. Only individuals with valid identification on essential or election duties will be exempt from the restrictions.
The Governor emphasized that the elections are in line with the Supreme Court ruling in SC/CV/343/2024, which mandates that Local Government Councils be administered by democratically elected officials, not caretaker committees. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is fully prepared to conduct the elections, with 17 out of 18 registered political parties set to participate.
Governor Fubara urged all registered voters to exercise their civic rights by turning out to vote, assuring them that security personnel would be deployed to maintain peace throughout the election process. He also warned that anyone who violates the movement restrictions on election day will face arrest and prosecution.
The Governor concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to upholding democracy, ensuring that the local government elections proceed without interference, and maintaining peace across the state.
The elections will usher in new leaders to administer the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State.
