Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, 2024, as public holidays to facilitate residents’ travel to their communities for the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5.

In a statewide address from the Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that they are necessary for “smooth and peaceful elections.”

He announced a restriction on vehicular movement starting at midnight on Friday, October 4, until 5:00 PM on election day, explaining that these steps ensure safety during the voting process.

Fubara highlighted that the tenures of local council chairmen and councillors expired on June 17, 2023, and referenced a Supreme Court judgment that prohibited local governments from being administered by unelected officials….[CONTINUE READING HERE ▶▶]

“Following Mr. President’s intervention, the period for compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment was graciously extended by three months,” he noted.

The Governor confirmed that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is ready for the elections, with all necessary arrangements in place.

He urged registered voters to participate, assuring them of security measures. “To this end, I hereby declare Thursday and Friday as public holidays,” he concluded, emphasizing the collective responsibility to support RSIEC in delivering credible elections.