Rivers LG Polls: Voting Ongoing Peacefully with Early Turnout Despite Court Controversies

Voting in the Rivers State local government elections is progressing peacefully, with a commendable voter turnout reported across the state. Checks by SK Blog show that the process has been largely smooth, with voting beginning early at many polling units despite the backdrop of legal controversies.

Voters arrived at the polling stations on time, and election materials were available promptly, allowing voting to commence without delays. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had efficiently distributed sensitive materials to local government areas, ensuring the election proceeded as planned.

Although officers from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were notably absent due to a court order, men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were present, providing necessary security and ensuring a peaceful voting environment. No significant security concerns have been reported so far.

This election has been overshadowed by court rulings, including an order restraining the NPF and other security agencies from providing security, as well as a directive barring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the 2023 voter register to RSIEC. Despite these legal hurdles, Governor Siminalayi Fubara insisted the election must go ahead, assuring voters that the court orders did not affect the election’s validity.

Governor Fubara was seen early Friday at the RSIEC headquarters in Port Harcourt, responding to concerns that police officers might intervene to disrupt the process. He accused the Inspector-General of Police of acting on orders from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to block the election. However, the police have maintained that their actions are in line with the court’s directive.