As the countdown to the October 5th Local Government elections in Rivers State intensifies, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has firmly rebutted claims from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the voter register. This heated exchange underscores the growing tensions between the two bodies and raises questions about the integrity of the upcoming polls.
In a press briefing late on Wednesday, Mr. Tobin Tamunotonye, the RSIEC Commissioner for Public Affairs and Civic Education, asserted that INEC has indeed provided the updated voter register essential for conducting the forthcoming elections. “INEC released the voter register to us following procedural correspondences between our two bodies,” Tamunotonye emphasized, revealing that the commission had secured the necessary approval to obtain the register.
Highlighting the importance of these communications, Tamunotonye stated that without them, obtaining the voter register would have been a daunting task. He noted that RSIEC is in possession of a court order dated September 6, 2024, which mandates the commission to conduct the elections using the voter register supplied by INEC.
Crucially, Tamunotonye clarified that the voter register was formally approved and physically handed over to RSIEC during a period of correspondence that spanned from July to October 2023. “We already had the voter register in our possession before the recent spate of litigations,” he added, aiming to dispel any confusion regarding the legitimacy of the register.
This statement comes in direct response to Dr. Johnson Sinikiem, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State, who had publicly denied that the voter register was officially released to RSIEC. Sinikiem acknowledged the ongoing correspondence between the two entities but insisted that no formal handover had occurred.
Tamunotonye vehemently contested this claim, stating, “That is not true. INEC cannot in good conscience assert that because we have the documents to prove otherwise. They have provided us with everything necessary for the election, and we are moving forward with the electoral process.”
As the RSIEC prepares for the local elections, the atmosphere remains charged, with both commissions standing firm in their positions. The controversy raises critical concerns about electoral integrity in Rivers State and highlights the challenges faced by electoral bodies in coordinating effectively.
With the local government polls just days away, all eyes are now on the RSIEC as it navigates these turbulent waters, ensuring that the elections proceed smoothly amid this public dispute. The implications of this showdown extend beyond procedural matters; they touch on the fundamental trust citizens must have in their electoral institutions. As the situation develops, it will be essential to monitor how these disputes may impact voter confidence and participation in the upc oming elections.
