Governor Siminalayi Fubara has instructed all local government chairmen in Rivers State to formally transfer authority to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) by Monday, 3rd March 2025.
This directive comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court judgment that nullified the state’s local government elections.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision on Friday, declared the local government elections held on 5th October 2024 as null and void.
The court cited significant breaches of the Electoral Act, rendering the elections invalid.
The ruling was prompted by an appeal from the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the legality of the elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The APC argued that the elections did not comply with the mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act, leading to the Supreme Court’s decision to annul the results.
The annulled elections had been a subject of legal contention prior to their conduct.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC for the elections, citing procedural irregularities.
Despite this, the elections proceeded, resulting in victories for the All People’s Party (APP) in 22 out of 23 local government areas.
In compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment, Governor Fubara emphasised the necessity of adhering to the rule of law and ensuring continuity in local governance.
He stated, “I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.”
The Governor’s directive aims to maintain stability and ensure that essential services at the local government level continue uninterrupted during this transitional period.
The Rivers State government has assured the public of its commitment to upholding democratic principles and conducting fresh elections in accordance with legal and constitutional provisions.
As the state moves towards organising new local government elections, the appointed HLGAs are expected to oversee the administrative functions.
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