Court Orders Rivers State Local Elections to Proceed, Defying Political Pressure

The Federal High Court in Rivers State has affirmed that the local government elections scheduled for October 5th, 2024, will proceed as planned. Justice I.P.C Igwe delivered the judgment in a case involving the Action Peoples Party (APP) and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Rivers State Government, and the Governor of Rivers State.

According to Daily Trust, the court’s decision emphasizes the constitutional obligation to ensure democratically elected local government councils in Rivers State. Justice Igwe cited Section 7, subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which mandates the state to make provisions for local government elections.

In his ruling, Justice Igwe declared, “The Defendants are bound to make adequate provision for election into the Local Government Councils of Rivers State and to ensure that the affairs of the local Government Councils in Rivers State are conducted by democratically elected Local Government Councils.”

The court also addressed the issue of voter registration, stating that the RSIEC is entitled to use the National Register of Voters from the 2023 General Elections, compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the upcoming local government elections.

Justice Igwe’s ruling referenced a recent Supreme Court decision (Suit No SC/CV/343/2024) that required states without democratically elected local government councils to conduct elections within three months. This decision has set a deadline for Rivers State to hold its local government elections by October 5th, 2024.

The court issued several orders, including:

A mandatory injunction compelling the defendants to make adequate provisions for the elections.

An order for the RSIEC to conduct the elections on October 5th, 2024, or any other date fixed by the commission.

A directive for security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and the Nigeria Army, to provide adequate security during and after the elections.

Reacting to the court's decision, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for Nigeria's opposition lawmakers coalition, hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy. He stated, "This court judgement has saved democracy not just in Rivers State but the nation as a whole. The Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike has been put to shame with this court judgement."

Ugochinyere further emphasized the importance of the ruling, saying, "We thank the Judiciary for saving democracy and upholding the rule of law. The local government election in Rivers State will hold as scheduled. The electoral laws are very simple, there's no court order that can stop elections."

This ruling comes amidst political tensions in Rivers State, with some parties allegedly attempting to postpone the elections. The court's decision has been seen as a rebuke to these efforts and a reinforcement of democratic principles at the local government level.

As the October 5th election date approaches, all eyes will be on Rivers State to see how this crucial democratic process unfolds, with hopes for a free, fair, and peaceful election that truly represents the will of the people.