The Rivers State House of Assembly has extended the deadline for the chairman and commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before it. The new date has been set for March 10.
This was made known in a statement issued by Martins Wachukwu, the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Media Affairs, in Port Harcourt on Friday. Wachukwu noted that the extension was necessary to allow the commission to address concerns related to its activities.
The House had previously invited the RSIEC chairman and commissioners but expressed disappointment that they failed to honor the invitation. As a result, the lawmakers decided to summon them again, directing the Clerk of the House to officially communicate the new date.
“They are being invited to explain the commission’s actions concerning the Oct. 5, 2024 local government council election in the state,” Wachukwu stated.
Additionally, the legislators want RSIEC to account for certain expenditures that were not included in the approved budget. The House is also seeking clarification on how the commission plans to fund the election it is currently proposing.
Wachukwu warned that if the RSIEC officials fail to appear, the Assembly may take further action based on constitutional provisions.
Beyond the RSIEC matter, the Speaker’s aide also noted that the Assembly has observed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s continued refusal to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, despite an earlier Supreme Court order.
“The house has also taken notice of the governor’s refusal to submit a list of commissioner nominees to the house as earlier directed,” Wachukwu added.
