By Mercy Aikoye
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, spokesman for the opposition lawmakers coalition in the National Assembly, praised the Federal High Court, Rivers State Judicial Division, for upholding the scheduled October 5th local government elections.
The court declared that there’s no going back on the polls, deeming it a victory for democracy. Ugochinyere blamed pro-Wike lawmakers for attempting to frustrate the process with court injunctions.
Justice I.P.C Igwe ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and the state government must ensure democratically elected councils conduct local government affairs.
The judge ordered the defendants to make adequate provisions for the elections and conduct polls within the shortest possible time, complying with the Supreme Court’s July 11th judgment.
The ruling also permitted the electoral commission to utilize the National Register of Voters from the 2023 general elections.
Ugochinyere hailed the judgment as a victory for democracy, stating that Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike’s efforts to stop the polls have been thwarted.
He commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and ensuring the elections proceed as scheduled.
Ugochinyere urged PDP leaders to “wake up” and restore the party, emphasizing that electoral laws cannot be overturned by court orders.
The court’s decision has significant implications for Rivers State and national democracy.
The local government elections are set to proceed on October 5th, with security agencies ordered to ensure peace and order during and after the polls.
