The Rivers State House of Assembly has summoned the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd), to appear before it within 48 hours. The summons is related to the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, Speaker Martin Amaewhule led the Assembly in issuing the directive. Lawmakers warned that if Justice Enebeli fails to comply, a warrant may be issued for his arrest. The Assembly is seeking clarity on the electoral process and the commission’s preparedness for the elections.
Additionally, the House resolved to formally request Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit the names of commissioners who were not screened by the Assembly. This decision comes amid growing political tension in the state following last Friday’s Supreme Court ruling. It remains uncertain whether the commissioners will appear before the lawmakers, given the charged political atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the RSIEC has set August 9, 2025, as the date for fresh local government elections across all 23 local government areas in Rivers State. This announcement came after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the commission’s secretariat.
Justice Enebeli, citing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law No. 12 of 2018, stated that RSIEC has full authority to determine election dates and establish guidelines for political parties. He noted that the commission is responsible for setting election rules and procedures, ensuring a smooth electoral process.
“There shall be local government council election on Saturday, 9th August 2025 in all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State. RSIEC is mandated by law to fix the date for elections in the state,” he said.
Addressing concerns raised by some individuals in the media, Justice Enebeli reaffirmed the commission’s legal authority. He stated, “I make bold to say without equivocation that the fixing of date… The power of election into local government councils in Rivers State is the sole and undoubted statutory power of RSIEC by section 13, p 1 to 4 of RSIEC law number 2 of 2018.”
He further explained that criteria for participation and other election-related provisions have been outlined in an official booklet distributed at the stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt.
