In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has sacked all local government chairmen in Rivers State, declaring the October 5, 2024, election conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) invalid.
The apex court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, ruled that the election was marred by gross violations of the Electoral Act, rendering it null and void.
Justice Tukur emphasized that RSIEC failed to adhere to due process, citing a lack of substantial compliance with electoral guidelines. Specifically, the commission was found to have continued voter registration even after officially announcing the election date, a direct breach of electoral procedures.
The court further held that the electoral process was hastily conducted, violating Section 150 of the Electoral Act, which mandates strict adherence to legal provisions in the organization of local government elections.
With this ruling, all chairmen elected in the controversial poll have been removed from office, throwing the governance of Rivers State’s local councils into uncertainty.
More details to follow.
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