RSIEC SETS 5TH OCTOBER FOR ELECTIONS.
By Katherine Abayomi, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced 5th October as the date for local government elections in the state and calls for peace among residents and stakeholders during the exercise.
The commission’s chairman, retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Port Harcourt office.
Justice Enebeli called on stakeholders to work with the commission to actualise the goal of conducting credible elections. He further stated that politicians contesting the forthcoming LGA elections must play by the election rules and guidelines.
“Let me assert at this juncture that democracy has taken root in Nigeria, and all of us gathered here today have a duty to deepen its growth, particularly at the local government level, which is the institution closest to the people.
“The Chairman and Members of the 6th Commission hereby reiterate their determination to carry out their duties as outlined in the law. The commission pledges to carry out a free, fair, and credible elections in the 23 Local Government
Councils.
“We shall provide equal opportunities and level playing ground to all the registered political parties. We will be firm, resolute, and impartial. With a track record of repute, we have our reputation to protect.”
“We urge all present stakeholders to partner with the Commission in this enormous task.
During the unveiling of the timetable, it was noted that the government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part; citizens’ right to vote in free and fair elections must not be tampered with.
“We are here today to unveil the guidelines and timetable of activities for the 2024 Local Government Elections; I humbly appeal to all politicians aspiring to contest for positions to do so in a civil and disciplined manner. You are expected to play by the rules.”
“The guidelines are set for the good of all; they are not intended or skewed against any party or individual. We all have a collective responsibility to consolidate our nascent democratic experience. We expect all stakeholders to act professionally, ethically, and civility before, during, and after the election.”
Some stakeholders at the meeting appealed to the commission to conduct free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections.
Our correspondent reports that political parties, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Youth groups, women, faith-based organizations, physically challenged representatives, and the media were in attendance.
