Fubara orders new LG elections following Supreme Court ruling

PORT HARCOURT- The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has instructed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize new elections for local government councils within the state. 

This decision comes in response to a Supreme Court ruling that annulled the recently conducted local government elections in the area.

Fubara made the announcement during a statewide address on Sunday in Port Harcourt, where he requested that the local government chairmen, who were elected in the now-invalidated elections, relinquish their positions to the heads of local government administration until new elections occur.

He ordered the chairmen to transfer authority by today, Monday, March 3, 2025.

Fubara emphasized, “In light of the prohibition of caretaker arrangements within the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to promptly assume control of the 23 local government councils while we prepare for fresh elections by RSIEC.”

He stated, “Even though our beloved state appears to be facing difficult times, I encourage everyone to stay calm and continue with their lawful daily activities.”

He continued, “While we may not agree with the rulings, we are obligated to adhere to the decisions made therein as a government that respects the law.”

“Since we took office, we have conducted the governance of our state under the confines of our constitution, adhering to due process and the rule of law. Although we are capable of making mistakes as human beings, we firmly believe that our government has not engaged in any actions intentionally designed to undermine the rule of law or the esteemed principles of constitutional governance.”

“In this regard, I’ve met with my legal team, and they have informed me that the certified true copy of the judgments might be accessible by Friday, March 7, 2025. I assure you that once we receive the certified judgments, we will carefully examine their implications and carry them out without hesitation to advance the state.”