The Governor of Rivers State has announced public holidays on October 3 and 4, 2024, to allow residents to participate in the upcoming local government elections on October 5. Vehicular movement will be restricted from midnight on October 4 to 5 p.m. on Election Day to ensure a smooth electoral process. The announcement was made in a broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt. The Governor mentioned the appointment of Caretaker Committees following the expiration of the tenure of local government officials in June 2023, in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling from July 2024. The ruling mandated the need for democratically elected officials in local government councils. The Governor extended the compliance period based on a directive from the President. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has completed preparations for the elections, using the 2023 INEC Voters’ Register. 17 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, have shown interest in participating by submitting candidates. The Governor emphasized that Rivers State must adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling, like other states that have used the 2023 INEC Voters’ Register for local government elections.
LG poll: Fubara declares Thursday, Friday public holidays
