ABUJA – The orders of the Federal High Court in Rivers State insisting on the conduct of local government polls has been described as “a victory for democracy.”
The court ordered that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and the state government led by the Governor Siminalayi Fubara must adhere to Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
The Judge also cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of the Federation vs. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Others.
Spokesman of the lawmakers, Ikenga Ugochinyere, in a statement in lieu of the judgment on the October 5 election, condemned attempts by some interested parties to thwart the process by seeking court injunctions to delay the polls.
According to the Lawmaker “This judgment is a significant victory for democracy, not only in Rivers State but across the nation… We thank the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the local government elections in Rivers State will proceed as scheduled.”
Ugochinyere called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take steps to restore the party ahead of the upcoming LG polls in the state.
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Meanwhile, while delivering judgment on the suit, Peoples Party (APP) vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Igwe ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Rivers State Government, and the Governor of Rivers State are constitutionally obligated to ensure that local government elections take place.
The court ordered the relevant authorities to conduct the elections, in line with the Constitution and existing electoral laws, and ensure that local government councils are led by democratically elected representatives.
Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of the Federation vs. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Others, Justice Igwe directed the defendants to proceed with preparations and ensure that the elections are conducted without delay.
He continued, “Upon the construction of Section 7(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 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 councils are conducted by democratically elected officials.”
The court also ordered the use of the National Register of Voters for the 2023 General Elections, compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct the elections in all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
This is as it tasked security agencies to provide adequate security before, during, and after the election to ensure peace and order.
