Rivers LG polls: RIVSCO calls on electoral Commission, security agencies to uphold electoral integrity

Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt

As the October 5th local government election date in Rivers State approaches, the Rivers Civil Society Organisations (RIVSCO) has tasked the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) with ensuring a free and fair election.

Briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, RIVSCO Chairman Enefaa Georgewill stated, “It is incumbent upon the RSIEC to be truly independent by delivering a free and fair election that will be acceptable to all the political parties and stakeholders.”

Georgewill also challenged security agencies to remain apolitical in their duties before, during, and after the election. He criticised the Action People’s Party (APP) for its candidate selection process, describing it as an “imposition of candidates.”

He emphasised, “The only democratic process for choosing candidates in any given election is by free and fair primaries, where party members freely elect their candidates.”

He noted that this process has not been followed by APP.

Additionally, Georgewill expressed concern over the lack of campaigning by contesting political parties and their candidates, urging voters to reject candidates who do not publicly share their visions in line with their party’s manifesto.

“We call on political parties and their candidates contesting the forthcoming local government election in Rivers State to sell their manifestos to the people through vigorous campaigns, while we urge the electorate to vote out any candidate that refused to make his vision public, in line with his party’s ideology,” he stressed.

He further called on everyone to collaborate with civil society organisations to ensure a free and fair election on October 5, 2024.

Adding his perspective, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of RIVSCO, Tuka Loanyie, supported the Chairman’s statements and appealed to RSIEC to establish an Electoral Panel to address post-election issues.