A group of prominent stakeholders in Rivers State has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what they describe as an ongoing violation of constitutional order and due process in the planned conduct of local government council elections in the state.

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In an open letter addressed to the president, the stakeholders condemned the role of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which they insist is illegally constituted and operating outside the law.

According to the signatories—which include former governors, senators, ministers, and civil society leaders—the elections scheduled for August 30, 2025, are being orchestrated by a “Sole Administrator” with no constitutional mandate, allegedly imposed by the federal government. They argue that such actions undermine the foundations of Nigeria’s federal structure, the rule of law, and the peace of the state.

The stakeholders emphasized that there is currently no legally recognized RSIEC, as required under Sections 2, 3, 5, and 12 of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2018. They noted that under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), only the elected governor—after confirmation by the State House of Assembly—has the authority to appoint RSIEC officials.

“The proposed elections are null and void. The commission lacks legitimacy and has failed to comply with the mandatory 90-day notice period before any election,” the statement read.

The group also highlighted ongoing court proceedings challenging the legality of both the RSIEC and the Sole Administrator, warning that continuing with the election process while such matters are sub judice violates legal norms and constitutional protections.

They further questioned the rationale behind holding local government elections at a time when Rivers State is experiencing a constitutional crisis, with the executive and legislative arms of government effectively suspended due to federal interference.

Citing relevant constitutional provisions and court precedents, the stakeholders argued that local elections remain the exclusive responsibility of state governments. Any federal intervention in this domain, they said, is unlawful.

“The actions of the Sole Administrator are ultra vires, unconstitutional, and represent a clear usurpation of state autonomy,” they said.

The stakeholders called on President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary, civil society, the media, and the international community to act urgently to prevent what they described as a descent into lawlessness in Rivers State.

“Rivers State stands at a crossroads: surrender to impunity or uphold the Constitution and the will of the people,” the statement concluded.

Signatories include:

  • Atedo N.A. Peterside, CON
  • H.E. Celestine N. Omehia
  • Prince Uche Secondus
  • Chief Dr. Abiye P. Sekibo
  • Senator Lee Maeba
  • Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside
  • Senator Andrew Uchendu
  • H. Engr. Tele Ikuru
  • Prince Fafaa Dan Princewill
  • Dr. Austin Tam-George
  • Donu Kogbara
  • Hon. Dr. Sokonte Davies
  • Dr. Glory Emeh
  • George Feyii
  • Hon. Honourable Asita
  • Surv. Sam Agwor
  • Ann-Kio Briggs
  • H.E. Group Captain John Ibiwari Ben-Kalio (rtd)
  • Pastor Tony P. Cole
  • Amb. Oji Nyiminote Ngofa
  • Hon. Randolph Iwo O. Brown
  • Engr. Reynolds Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack