The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli, officially announced the Action Peoples Party (APP) as the victor in 22 of the 23 local government chairmanship positions contested in the recent Rivers State Local Government Elections, held on October 5, 2024. Justice Enebeli stated that, following thorough vote collation, the APP candidates had garnered the majority of valid votes across two-thirds of their wards in these 22 local government areas (LGAs).
However, the chairmanship results for Etche LGA were withheld temporarily due to the extensive area and delayed collation from its 19 wards, an outcome RSIEC plans to finalize soon. Meanwhile, the results for the councillorship positions in all 319 wards across the state will also be released at a later date.
Election Day Highlights
Justice Enebeli commended the high voter turnout despite rainy weather conditions, emphasizing the electorate’s commitment to a smooth and transparent process. He acknowledged the significant collaboration between RSIEC staff and voters, who, he noted, took ownership of the election process to maintain order and ensure credibility.
The chairman’s declaration took place in Port Harcourt and was attended by representatives from 18 political parties, Nigerian Bar Association members, civil society groups, and other key stakeholders. The RSIEC Chairman reiterated the electoral body’s efforts to guarantee a safe, inclusive, and transparent process, declaring the election as “violence-free and most treasured” in Rivers State’s local government election history.
RSIEC’s Efforts and Challenges
Justice Enebeli outlined RSIEC’s preparatory work, including conducting sensitization campaigns to educate the electorate on the importance of voting. RSIEC coordinated with political parties to display the voter register across all 6,866 polling units and ensured candidates were screened and cleared in alignment with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Law of 2018. Despite nationwide protests and legal challenges, RSIEC adhered to the scheduled October 5 election date, bolstered by recent court rulings upholding this timeline.
APP Chairmanship Wins and Next Steps
The declared winners from the APP for the 22 LGAs are:
Abua/Odual – Vincent Reuben Obu
Ahoada-East – Chibudom Ezu
Ahoada-West – Iyekor Ikporo
Akuku-Toru – Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide
Andoni – Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile
Asari-Toru – Dr. Sule Amachree
Bonny – Dame Anengi Barasua
Degema – Dr. Harry Agiriye
Eleme – Chief Brain Gokpa
Emohua – David Omereji
Gokana – Monday Dumiye
Ikwerre – Isreal Abosi
Khana – Martins Nwigbo
Obio/Akpor – Amb Chijioke Ihunwo
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni – Prince Isaac Umejuru
Ogu/Bolo – Ishmael Oforibika
Okrika – Igwe Achese
Omuma – Promise Reginald
Opobo/Nkoro – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
Oyigbo – Gift Okere
Port Harcourt – Ezebunwo Ichemati
Tai – Matthew Nenubari Dike
The RSIEC chairman applauded the APP, the electorate, and the wider Rivers community for their resilience and enthusiasm, which he believes were critical in the election’s success. He also emphasized RSIEC’s resolve to overcome legal and logistical challenges to preserve the integrity of the election.
As the collation process for Etche LGA continues and the councillorship results are finalized, RSIEC will maintain transparency and communicate updates promptly. Justice Enebeli expressed gratitude on behalf of RSIEC to the people of Rivers State for their patriotism, cooperation, and dedication to this democratic exercise.
