River LG polls: Pro-Wike lawmakers enjoins RSIEC to obey court order

The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has condemned the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for “blatant” disregard of a Federal High Court judgement.

The court ordered the commission to halt the planned local government elections, citing non-compliance with relevant laws.

During its 55th Legislative Sitting, the House Committee on Commissions and Agencies presented a report revealing RSIEC’s recalcitrant posture.

Amaewhule media aide Martins Wachukwu, in a statement, said the committee’s findings showed that the Federal High Court order restrained RSIEC from conducting the elections on October 5, 2024.

Furthermore, the order prohibited the Nigerian Police and Department of State Services from providing security for the elections and directed INEC not to release the updated Voters’ Register until RSIEC complies with Sections 13 and 20 of its establishing law.

Relying on the findings of the Committee, the lawmakers commented on the Report, regretting why a body such as RSIEC, which is a creation of Law made by the Rivers State House of Assembly, would want to disobey an order of a Federal High Court.

They said it is more worrisome that the State electoral body is headed by a retired Judge of the State High Court, who ought to know better.