RSIEC Denies Police Blocking its Office in Port Harcourt Ahead of LGA Election: Here is What You Should Know

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has publicly stated that there is no legal injunction preventing them from conducting the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. This clarification comes in response to rumors and reports suggesting that the police had blocked or sealed RSIEC’s office in Port Harcourt, potentially to hinder the election process.

• RSIEC’s Position: The Commission, through its officials and related statements, has reiterated its readiness and commitment to hold the elections as planned. They have cited a Supreme Court ruling which mandates that local government elections should be conducted democratically, reinforcing their legal grounding for proceeding with the election.
• Police Involvement: There were conflicting reports on social media and news platforms regarding the police’s role. Some posts suggested that the police had taken over or were blocking RSIEC’s office, which could imply an attempt to disrupt the elections. However, official statements and subsequent clarifications indicate that there was no such blockage intended to stop the elections. Instead, the police’s presence might have been misinterpreted or reported inaccurately, possibly related to security measures due to previous incidents of violence or political tension around local government council secretariats.
• Court Orders and Legal Clarifications: A Rivers State High Court has issued directives supporting the conduct of the local government elections, further debunking claims of legal impediments. These court orders explicitly mandate security agencies, including the police, to provide security for the elections, suggesting any police action around RSIEC would be for security rather than to block the election process.
• Political Climate: The backdrop includes political maneuvering with some politicians and parties opting not to participate or actively opposing the elections due to internal party disputes or strategic political decisions. However, RSIEC’s determination to proceed indicates an attempt to uphold electoral processes despite these challenges.

In summary, while there were mentions of police activity around RSIEC’s office, the overarching narrative from official statements and legal perspectives denies any intent or action by the police to block or prevent RSIEC from conducting the local government elections. The situation underscores the complexities of local politics, electoral processes, and the maintenance of law and order in politically charged environments.