In a significant move ahead of the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has underscored the imperative of conducting the polls in strict adherence to the rule of law. This announcement, made during Thursday’s plenary session, reflects a unified stance with the Executive Arm of Government, headed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, aiming to establish a democratically elected local leadership in the state.
Oko-Jumbo emphasized that the principles set forth in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution must guide all government actions. He referred specifically to Section 13, which mandates that all governmental bodies and officials uphold constitutional standards. "The rule of law is non-negotiable," he stated, reinforcing the Assembly’s commitment to legal frameworks governing elections.
A pivotal moment in this discourse was the landmark Supreme Court ruling on July 11, 2024, in suit No. SC/CV/343/2024, which affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils. The ruling not only reinforced the necessity of having democratically elected councils in place but also directed all 36 states to comply. Oko-Jumbo articulated the importance of this ruling, highlighting its implications for local governance in Rivers State.
In addition, Oko-Jumbo referenced a ruling by Justice I.P.C. Igwe on September 4, 2024, in suit No. PHC/2696/CS/2024. The judgment mandated the Rivers State Government and Governor Fubara to ensure adequate provisions for the local government elections. It further instructed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to utilize the national voter register compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 general elections. Additionally, it called for robust security measures from various law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order during the elections.
Oko-Jumbo expressed satisfaction with the Rivers State Government’s proactive steps in initiating the necessary processes for the forthcoming elections. He reiterated the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, aligning itself fully with the Supreme Court’s decision and Justice Igwe’s recent orders.
"The Rivers State House of Assembly insists that the elections for local government councils must proceed on October 5, 2024, in compliance with the law and judicial mandates," Oko-Jumbo asserted.
He concluded with a call to action for all Rivers State residents, urging them to participate actively in the electoral process. "I encourage everyone to come out en masse on October 5 to exercise their civic duty and vote for their preferred candidates," he stated, underscoring the importance of community involvement in shaping local governance.
