posted 28th February 2025
BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Rivers Local Government Chairmen
In a landmark decision, the Nigerian Supreme Court has declared the local government elections conducted in Rivers State on 5th October 2024 as invalid. The judgement, delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, found that the election grossly violated the provisions of the Electoral Act, rendering the process null and void.
Justice Tukur ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) failed to comply substantially with the Electoral Act and its guidelines. A key violation cited was the continuation of voter registration even after the election date had been announced, which directly contravened established electoral procedures.
The court also held that the processes leading to the conduct of the election were fundamentally flawed, breaching Section 150 of the Electoral Act. This section mandates strict adherence to due process in electoral conduct, a requirement that the RSIEC failed to meet. Consequently, the Supreme Court declared the election results invalid, effectively sacking all local government chairmen elected in the controversial polls.
The ruling has significant implications for the governance of Rivers State, as it creates a leadership vacuum at the local government level. Political analysts predict heightened tensions and potential legal battles as stakeholders respond to the judgement.
Critics have expressed concerns over the integrity of Nigeria's judicial system, questioning the timing and motivations behind the ruling. Some have accused the Supreme Court of bias and political interference, fuelling further controversy over the nation’s electoral and judicial processes.
As the situation unfolds, the residents of Rivers State await further directives on the way forward. The state government and the RSIEC are expected to issue official responses in the coming days, while legal experts assess the broader impact of the ruling on Nigeria’s democratic process.
