Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, 2024, as public holidays to enable residents to return to their communities and participate in the Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, October 5.
The governor made this announcement during a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. He also imposed strict restrictions on vehicular movement starting from midnight on Friday, October 4, until 5:00 PM on Election Day, Saturday, October 5.
Governor Fubara assured residents that the Local Government Council elections for all 23 councils would proceed as scheduled, with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) fully equipped to conduct a fair, free, and credible election.
“I encourage all registered voters to head to their polling units and exercise their civic rights. Security personnel will be deployed to maintain order and ensure peaceful voting,” Fubara stated.
The governor emphasized the importance of voter participation, adding that the public holidays are intended to facilitate voters’ travel to their communities. He also warned that any individuals or groups attempting to violate the restriction on movement would be arrested and prosecuted, as directed by the state’s security agencies.
“I commend the State’s Security High Command for their continued cooperation and dedication to ensuring peaceful and orderly local government elections,” Fubara concluded.
