The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled August 9, 2025, for a fresh Local Government election in the state.
The announcement was made by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), during a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
This development follows last Friday’s Supreme Court ruling, which nullified the Local Government election held in the state on October 5, 2024.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that his administration will fully implement the Supreme Court’s verdict after reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC).
In a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara disclosed that he has consulted with his legal team, who anticipate receiving the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles and acting in accordance with the law.
The governor has instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume immediate control of the 23 local government councils in the state. This directive follows the Supreme Court’s decision nullifying the October 5, 2023, local government elections.
Governor Fubara announced that the civil servants would manage the councils’ affairs until the State Electoral Commission conducts fresh elections.
Additionally, the Supreme Court issued another ruling on Friday barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government until it complies with prior court orders deemed flagrantly disobeyed.
In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-member panel also dismissed Governor Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.
The court further directed Amaewhule to immediately resume legislative duties alongside other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.