With just weeks to the scheduled August 30 local government elections in Rivers State, several residents of Port Harcourt have expressed their unwillingness to participate, citing short notice and constitutional concerns.
Some residents who spoke to our reporter criticized the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RESEC) for giving what they described as an unreasonably short timeframe for the elections. Others questioned the legality of the polls, citing the current political situation in the state.
“Even if I vote, my vote will not count. So there is no need to vote,” one resident said.
“I will not participate because the time frame is too short,” another added.
“I see the election as illegal. Since the elected governor is not in office, there is no need for any election,” a third respondent stated.
“Once the constitution guarantees that we should vote, I will vote. As long as it’s unconstitutional, I will not participate,” another affirmed.
National Legal Adviser for the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights.
Reacting to the growing concerns, the National Legal Adviser for the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, Henry Ekene, urged RESEC to reconsider its decision and respect the will of the people.
“It can’t reasonably be done within one month—not even two months. It is not a reasonable schedule,” he said.
“I suggest that the commission should rethink and listen to the cry of the people. Elections are not for the commission or political parties, but essentially for the people. It is the people who will participate, and the outcome is for them.”
In a related development, security analyst Ukechi Smith Dibia called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to adopt proactive and strategic policing measures ahead of the elections. He stressed the need to secure not just polling units but also other vulnerable areas across the state.
“Considering the concerns of Rivers residents—who should be the electorate—it’s clear many are unhappy with the process. And when laws are not properly followed, crime is inevitable,” he noted.
“Law enforcement agencies in Rivers State should position themselves not only at polling units but also in strategic locations where innocent people could be at risk.”
Mr. Smith Dibia further warned that opportunistic individuals may take advantage of the situation to commit crimes, urging the police to give special attention to protecting local government infrastructure and maintaining law and order during the election period.
