The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has set August 9, 2025, as the date for a fresh local government election.
This decision comes after the Supreme Court ruled last Friday that the previous election, held on October 5, 2024, was invalid.
The announcement was made by RSIEC’s Chief Electoral Commissioner, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, March 5.
He stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission by Section 5 of the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018, and all other enabling provisions, the commission hereby provides guidelines for political parties, stipulating rules and procedures for electioneering campaigns.
“The commission, therefore, announces that local government council elections will hold on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.”
Governor Siminalayi Fubara addressed the people of Rivers State in a broadcast on Sunday, assuring them that his administration would act according to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
He mentioned that his legal team is waiting to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, which is expected by March 7.
Following the court’s decision, the governor directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to oversee the 23 local government councils until the new election takes place.
Civil servants will manage affairs at the councils in the interim.
In another ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial agencies to withhold funds from the Rivers State government until it complies with previous court orders.
The court also dismissed a cross-appeal by Governor Fubara, which challenged the legitimacy of the state House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
With this ruling, the court instructed Amaewhule and other elected lawmakers to resume legislative duties immediately.
