Our Reporter, Abuja
Major political stakeholders from Rivers State have raised the alarm over the planned local government council elections scheduled for late August, describing the process as unconstitutional, illegitimate, and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a advertorial addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the stakeholders warned that the exercise — being driven by a sole administrator without a democratic mandate — constitutes “a flagrant attack” on the 1999 Constitution and the rule of law.
They argued that: The process is unconstitutional — Conducting the elections under a sole administrator violates Section 7(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees democratically elected local councils.
Second, that State of emergency powers are being misused — The Federal Government’s emergency rule has suspended democratic institutions, including a duly constituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Third, that the sole administrator has no legitimacy — Without a mandate from the people, stakeholders say he cannot oversee elections, warning that this subverts the will of the electorate.
Fourth. that judicial rulings are being ignored — Recent court decisions upholding the autonomy of state electoral bodies have been disregarded, eroding public trust in the judiciary.
The advertorial was signed by prominent Rivers figures including former Governor Celestine Omehia, former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Minister of Transport Abiye Sekibo, former NIMASA DG Dakuku Peterside, economist Atedo Peterside, and several other political leaders, ex-lawmakers, diplomats, and civic actors.
“This matter transcends Rivers State. It is a litmus test for the survival of democracy in Nigeria,” the stakeholders declared, calling on the president to halt the process and restore constitutional governance.
The protest comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers following the Federal Government’s March 18 declaration of a state of emergency, suspension of the governor and state assembly, and appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as sole administrator.
