RSIEC Vows Free and Fair LG Polls in Rivers

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has reiterated its dedication to ensuring transparent and credible local government elections across all 23 local government areas of the state, with the polls now set for August 30, 2025.

At the formal presentation of the updated election timetable on Monday, RSIEC Chairman, Michael Ekpali Odey, pledged that the Commission would strictly follow electoral procedures and guarantee a safe environment for voters to exercise their rights without coercion or fear.

He added that each ward will elect one councillor, while every local government area will vote for both a chairman and a vice chairman.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has restated its unwavering commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible local government elections across the state’s 23 local government areas, now slated for August 30, 2025.

During the official launch of the revised election timetable on Monday, RSIEC Chairman, Michael Ekpali Odey, assured the public that the Commission would strictly follow electoral laws and create a secure and intimidation-free environment for voters to make their choices.

According to Odey, the elections will see the selection of one councillor per ward, as well as a chairman and vice chairman for each LGA in Rivers State.

He underscored the need for continuous engagement with key stakeholders and emphasized the Commission’s openness to collaborative and inclusive electoral processes.

“We view today as a defining moment in our journey toward a transparent, accountable, and inclusive election,” Odey said. “The timetable we’re unveiling goes beyond a list of dates—it’s a symbol of our dedication to fairness and due process for all involved.”

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Acknowledging that election administration is a collective responsibility, Odey said RSIEC will continue to engage stakeholders for insight and input. “We don’t claim to have all the answers, which is why collaboration and synergy remain central to our approach,” he added.

In the same announcement, RSIEC officially confirmed the postponement of the local government elections, which were originally scheduled for August 9, 2025. The decision to move the polls came in response to unfolding political circumstances in the state.

Odey explained that, in accordance with Section 13(5) of the RSIEC Law, the Commission is authorized to alter the election timeline in situations where peace and public safety may be at risk.

“You may recall that on March 5, 2025, the 6th Commission announced August 9 as the election date. However, in light of recent developments and under the legal provisions allowing for flexibility during emergencies, we have opted to reschedule,” Odey stated. “By the authority vested in the Commission, I hereby declare that the new date for chairmanship and councillorship elections across all 23 LGAs will be Saturday, August 30, 2025.”

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The initial date had been set under the leadership of former RSIEC Chairman, retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli. His tenure ended when his board was dissolved by retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as Sole Administrator of the state for a six-month period following the suspension of democratic institutions.

Subsequently, Ibas appointed Odey—also from Cross River State—as the new RSIEC Chairman, a decision that has drawn criticism from several quarters, including prominent voices in the Senate.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has vowed to maintain law and order during the election period, pledging to safeguard citizens before, during, and after the voting exercise.