The resignation of two Commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) has sparked differing reactions across the state, following the emergence of their resignation letters over the weekend. While RISIEC has not yet officially confirmed the development, the political climate surrounding the resignations has become highly contentious.
The resignation letters, dated March 7, 2025, were submitted by Lazbery Nnah and Prof. Simeon Weli, both of whom addressed their letters to the Chairman of RISIEC and copied the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Both letters cited the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the October 2024 local government elections as the key reason for their decision to resign. In their letters, Nnah and Weli also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have served on the commission.
Political Reactions
The resignations have elicited divergent responses from the state's political factions. The anti-Governor Siminalayi Fubara camp expressed concerns that these resignations could significantly impact the conduct of the upcoming elections. In contrast, the pro-Fubara group has downplayed the significance of the resignations, claiming they would not hinder the commission's ability to function.
Former Commissioners Weigh In
Two former RISIEC commissioners, Dr. Hope Barango-Tariah and Prof. Ken Nweke, have come forward to clarify the situation. Both have asserted that the resignation of some commissioners would not paralyze the commission's operations. They pointed out that the commission could only cease to function if the Chairman of RISIEC resigned, not individual commissioners.
The former commissioners also referenced Section 7(7) of the RISIEC Law, which states that "the validity of any proceedings of the commission shall not be affected by a vacancy in its membership or by any defect in the appointment of a member." According to Barango-Tariah and Nweke, this provision legally empowers the RISIEC to continue its work effectively, regardless of the recent resignations. They emphasized that RISIEC remains fully capable and operational, with preparations already underway for the local government elections scheduled for August 9, 2025.
IPAC Calls for Readiness
In a related development, the Rivers State Chairman of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC), Soema Osaro, has called on all political parties to gear up for the August 9 local government elections, urging all stakeholders to focus on the importance of a free, fair, and credible election.
As the state anticipates the upcoming elections, the controversy surrounding the resignations underscores the heightened political dynamics in Rivers State, with both sides seeking to influence the electoral process.
