In spite of court orders against the October 5 local government elections, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the election will hold as scheduled, stating that there is no legal encumbrance to stop the process.

The governor, however, urged political parties, candidates contesting for various positions in the election, and the electorate to be enthusiastic as they prepare to vote for their preferred candidates, who will become the new political leaders at the council level.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, stopped the October 5 LGA elections in the state.

Justice Lifu, in a ruling on Monday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to release its 2023 Voter’s Register to the Rivers State Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the polls.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance shortly after an inspection tour of some sections of the 12.5km N225.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road project on Monday.

Addressing RSIEC staff, Governor Fubara said he has been inundated with rumours of plans by some misguided individuals to disrupt activities at the commission and warned such persons to retrace their steps.

Fubara stated: “What is important to me is the interest of Rivers State, that it has to be alive. It doesn’t belong to anybody. I don’t care who nominated you, but do the right thing. That is what is important to me, because if we make a mistake today, it is going to live with us forever.

“Nobody has a right to come here. This is the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. It belongs to Rivers State, and I am the Governor. So, if there is anything, let me know, and I will come here myself.”