PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State House of Assembly has extended by 72 hours the ultimatum issued to the chairman and commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before it. The officials now have until Monday, March 10, 2025, to comply.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The decision came during a plenary session on Friday, following a motion raised by lawmaker Enemi George. The extension aims to allow Justice Enebeli, RSIEC chairman, and other officials to address the Assembly regarding the annulled October 5, 2024, local government elections and the planned August 9, 2025, rerun.
Assembly Suspends Recess Over RSIEC Summons
The Assembly had planned to go on recess but opted to suspend it after Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol moved a motion to prioritize the RSIEC inquiry.
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Amaewhule noted that the House has also taken legislative notice of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s failure to present the 2025 budget within the 48-hour deadline earlier given to him. Amaewhule warned that the Assembly would take appropriate action in due course.
Background: Supreme Court Annuls LG Polls
The Supreme Court had recently nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections conducted by RSIEC, citing violations of the Electoral Act. In a March 5 ruling, Justice Jamilu Tukur stated that the electoral body failed to comply with electoral guidelines, including continuing voter registration after fixing an election date—a clear violation of Section 150 of the Electoral Act.
RSIEC Yet to Respond
So far, RSIEC has not responded to the House’s summons or the Supreme Court ruling. With the new deadline set for March 10, all eyes are on how the electoral commission and state government will navigate the crisis.
