Specifically, they were heard demanding clarity and transparency ahead of the Local Government election scheduled for October 5, 2024.
The demonstration drew a large crowd, prompting swift action from security operatives to restore order and manage traffic disruptions in the surrounding area.
TimesNow.com.ng recalls that recently a Federal High Court ruling, dated September 30, 2024 by Justice Peter Lifu in Abuja prevented INEC from releasing the voters’ register to RSIEC, citing ongoing legal disputes.
This ruling has sparked outrage, with many concerned that it could hinder the legitimacy of the upcoming election
The unrest stems from increasing frustrations over the delay in releasing the 2023 Voters’ Register by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Protesters expressed their concerns about the potential impact on the integrity of the upcoming election.
A protester who spoke to Channels Television voiced his frustration:
The protest underscores the rising tension in the state, as voters fear that any further delays or obstacles could derail the entire electoral process.
One of the protesters said:
Despite the growing unrest and legal hurdles, Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains adamant that the election will proceed as planned, The Punch reported.
In a statement, Governor Fubara expressed his confidence in the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling, which mandated that all states must have democratically elected local government executives.
Fubara declared:
His remarks were seen as an attempt to calm fears, but many in Rivers State remain on edge as the October 5 election day looms, with uncertainty surrounding the release of the voters’ register.
In another development, TimesNow.com.ng reported that Chris Nkwonta, representing Abia’s Ukwa East/Ukwa West federal constituency, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced during plenary on Wednesday, October 2, sparking cheers from APC lawmakers.
However, deputy minority leader Aliyu Madaki protested, citing Section 68 of the Constitution, which requires a party crisis for defection.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
