A group of stakeholders and advocates for democratic principles in Rivers State has raised concerns over the proposed Local Government Council elections in the state, citing serious threats to democracy and repeated violations of the Constitution.

In a statement issued on Friday and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the stakeholders warned that the elections, orchestrated by a Sole Administrator with no constitutional mandate, would constitute an existential threat to democracy and the rule of law.

The statement was signed by Atedo Peterside CON, Celestine Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Senator Lee Maeba, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Engr. Tele Ikuru, Prince Fafaa Princewill, Ambassador Oji Ngofa, Dr. Austin Tam-George, Donu Kogbara, Dr. Sokonte Davies, Dr. Glory Emeh, George Feyii, Honourable Asita, Sam Agwor, Ann-Kio Briggs, Group Captain John Ibiwari Ben-Kalio (rtd), Pastor Tonye Cole, Randolph Iwo O Brown, and Engr. Reynolds Dagogo-Jack.

The stakeholders pointed out that there is no legally-constituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as mandated by the Constitution, and any electoral activities undertaken by such an illegitimate body would be null and void.

They also noted that the RSIEC has flagrantly ignored the mandatory 90-day notice requirement before an election, and that courts are actively adjudicating the legality of the Sole Administrator?s appointment and the existence of a functioning RSIEC.

Furthermore, the stakeholders stressed that Rivers State has been plunged into a constitutional crisis and a de facto state of emergency due to the federal suspension of its executive and legislative branches.

They noted that Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution vests exclusive responsibility for local council elections in state governments, and a federally appointed agent cannot lawfully step into this role.

The stakeholders called on President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Judiciary, civil society, the media, and the international community to intervene decisively to prevent a constitutional crisis.

The stakeholders warned that Rivers State stands at a crossroads ? surrender to impunity or uphold the Constitution and the will of the people. ?The choice is ours?and the stakes could not be higher.?

The statement reads: ?The illegitimate RSIEC has flagrantly ignored the mandatory 90-day notice requirement before an election, as stipulated in Section 20 of the RSIEC Law. With no formal notification for candidate nominations or polling timetables?and an election date of August 30, 2025, announced on short notice?this process bears a resemblance to the 2024 polls, which the Supreme Court annulled due to procedural failures. Ignoring these safeguards is not an oversight; it is a deliberate attack on the principle of due process.

?Courts across the land are actively adjudicating the legality of the Sole Administrator?s appointment and the very existence of a functioning RSIEC. Yet, despite pending Supreme Court and Federal High Court actions?and multiple sub judice challenges by political parties?electoral machinery grinds on under a so-called ?emergency? guise.

?Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution vests exclusive responsibility for local council elections in state governments. A federally appointed agent?lacking any legal foundation?cannot lawfully step into this role. The doctrine of agency, affirmed in landmark cases such as Adewumi v. Plastex Ltd. and Okafor v. Umeh, holds that an agent?s authority is strictly derivative; without a constitutional grant, the actions of the Sole Administrator are ultra vires and void.

?This blatant usurpation of state autonomy desecrates our federal architecture and imperils democratic governance. (The Guardian)

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