Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has mandated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to set modalities in place for the conduct of credible local government elections.
He gave the charge on Saturday, during the swearing in of six new members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at the Government House Port Harcourt.
Wike said despite ongoing litigation as regards the local government councils, he expressed optimism that the issues will be resolved by May 25, 2018 and tasked the commissioners to commence the process for the conduct of council polls in May, 2018.
Reiterating that the State Government will release the funds appropriated by the State House of Assembly for the conduct of the Local Government Elections to the commission.
He said in line with the amended RSIEC law that stipulates ninety days notice before the conduct of elections, RSIEC should commence the process for the conduct of Local Government Elections.
He said: “Show Nigerians that you can conduct credible elections into council offices.
“Yes, we are in court, whatever the outcome will be by the 25th of May, 2018, the issues would have been resolved. The tenure would have lapsed by 25th May, 2018”.
He said if the Commission issues the notice for elections in February, by the first week of May elections would be held, setting the stage for elected council inauguration by 25th May, 2018.
The governor stated that he will never intefere in the workings of the RSIEC. He urged members of the commission to always work to uphold the law.
The RSIEC members that were sworn-in by the governor include: Dr Reginald Amadi, Professor Jones M. Jaja, Rev. Innocent Karibo, Mrs Florence Amiesimaka ,Mr Etete Festus and Prof Ezioma Ekpete.
