By Precious Ahiakwo
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated Local Government Chairman election on October 5, 2024, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials across the 23 local government areas of the state. The distribution process marks a significant step in the preparation for the election, which is seen as crucial for determining local governance across the state.
The electoral materials, which include ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential documents, were dispatched from the RSIEC headquarters in Port Harcourt under tight security. The distribution exercise, overseen by electoral officers and security personnel, aims to ensure timely delivery to each local government area to facilitate a smooth electoral process on Saturday.
As part of the preparations, RSIEC has also posted voters’ registers at polling units across all local government areas, including Bonny, Obio-Akpor LGA and others.
The publication of these registers is a crucial move designed to promote transparency and help voters verify their names and polling details before election day. By making the registers accessible ahead of time, RSIEC aims to prevent confusion and ensure that voters are well-informed about where they are to cast their ballots.
The distribution exercise follows heightened political tension in the state, particularly after the recent attempted break-in at the RSIEC office by rogue police officers, which Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his team thwarted. Despite these challenges, RSIEC has remained committed to ensuring that the election goes ahead as planned, with adequate provisions being made for security and logistical arrangements.
Bonny, Obio-Akpor LGA, which is some of the 23 local government areas receiving electoral materials, has seen the posting of voter registers at polling units as a preparatory step. The move is intended to allow voters to cross-check their registration status and polling details, reducing the risk of disputes or voter disenfranchisement on election day.
In addition to Bonny, other LGAs such as Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Asari-Toru, among others, have received their respective consignments of election materials. RSIEC officials have assured stakeholders that the entire distribution process will be completed promptly, allowing time for electoral officers in each LGA to finalize preparations at the ward and polling unit levels.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government, along with traditional rulers and community leaders, has called on residents to remain calm and maintain order during the elections. Governor Fubara has urged citizens to exercise their civic rights peacefully, assuring them that necessary steps are being taken to provide a secure environment for the exercise, despite the Nigeria Police Force’s official withdrawal from election security duties due to recent court orders.
RSIEC also highlighted the importance of community cooperation in ensuring the success of the polls.
As the final countdown to the October 5th election begins, all eyes are on Rivers State to see how effectively the electoral process unfolds. With the distribution of sensitive materials now underway, RSIEC is focused on delivering a credible election that reflects the true choice of the people, despite the recent challenges and uncertainties surrounding the security arrangements.
Voters across the state are eagerly preparing to participate, with hopes that their votes will lead to effective governance at the grassroots level, ensuring progress and development for their communities.
