Supreme Court Nullifies Rivers State Local Government Election
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has declared the Rivers State Local Government elections, held on October 5, 2024, invalid. The court’s decision effectively nullifies the results of the elections, citing serious procedural irregularities.
WATCH OUR LATEST VIDEO FOR MORE INSIGHT
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Jamilu Tukur, ruled that the conduct of the elections did not comply with the required legal and procedural standards. The judgment overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal, which had previously set aside the Federal High Court’s order, based on claims of jurisdictional errors.
Court Restores Federal High Court Decision
The Supreme Court’s ruling reinstates the judgment of the Federal High Court, which had earlier restrained the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) from conducting the local government elections. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had emphasized that the RSIEC could not proceed with the polls until an updated voter register was provided. This was a key element in the Supreme Court’s decision.
Updated Voter Register and Security Concerns
The Supreme Court’s ruling confirmed that an updated voter register was a necessary prerequisite for the local government elections, further strengthening the stance that the integrity of the electoral process must be preserved. In addition, the court reiterated the Federal High Court’s directive that security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), should not provide security for voters during the elections. This decision highlighted the importance of ensuring free and fair elections without external interference.
Implications of the Judgment
The Supreme Court’s decision has far-reaching consequences for the Rivers State government. With the October 2024 local government elections now declared invalid, the elected chairmen and councilors are no longer recognized. This ruling effectively disbands the newly elected officials, and the RSIEC will be required to conduct new elections that comply with the law.
The invalidation of the elections has thrown the local government structure in Rivers State into turmoil, and the state is now tasked with revising its electoral process to ensure transparency and fairness in the next round of voting.
Related Developments
In related news, the Supreme Court has also blocked the Rivers State government from accessing funds, citing ongoing disobedience to court orders. The court has also ruled in favor of recognizing the leadership of Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, ordering the immediate resumption of legislative activities.
Additionally, the Supreme Court discharged a major convicted of manslaughter in another significant ruling and appointed a new acting Chief Registrar, signaling continued changes within the Nigerian judiciary.
This ruling marks a critical moment in Rivers State’s political landscape, reinforcing the need for electoral bodies to adhere strictly to the law and for elections to be conducted in a manner that is transparent, fair, and free from external influence. As the state prepares for new elections, it remains to be seen how the ruling will impact the local government system and the broader political environment in Rivers.
Reference
Supreme Court Nullifies Rivers State Local Government Election