Port Harcourt, June 20, 2024** – The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced the commencement of the process for conducting local government elections in the state. This was revealed in a public notice signed by RSIEC Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), and sent to newsmen on Wednesday night.

The announcement comes just 24 hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while swearing in caretaker committee chairmen for the 23 local government councils, assured that their tenure would be short-lived as local government elections would be held soon. Fubara emphasized, “Let me also sound it very clear here that your tenures are not going to be too long because, as a matter of fact, before the end of today (Wednesday) or tomorrow (Thursday), there should be a process for the commencement of elective local government chairmen in our dear state.”

The tenure of the previously elected chairmen and councillors expired on Monday, June 17th, leading to a three-day crisis in the state. In response, the RSIEC Chairman has scheduled a stakeholders' meeting for next month to discuss the upcoming elections.

Justice Enebeli has called on all political parties and stakeholders to attend the meeting on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the RSIEC Headquarters on Aba Road in Port Harcourt at 10:00 am. The meeting will unveil the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in Rivers State.

Invited participants include leaders of all registered political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organizations, the media, professional organizations, civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, community-based groups, and the electorate.

The notice reads:

“The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, hereby invites: Leaders of all registered Political Parties, Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies, Religious Organizations, The Media, Professional Organizations, Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community-Based Groups, and the Electorate to a general stakeholders meeting on Monday, 1st July 2024 at the RSIEC Headquarters, 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt by 10:00 am prompt.

“The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in the State. All concerned should be seated at the RSIEC Auditorium by 09:45 am, please.”

This significant step is expected to pave the way for a smooth and transparent election process in Rivers State, ensuring proper governance and representation at the local government level.