By Nkechi Eze
The attention of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC has been drawn to a statement credited to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in which he accused the Commission of selective implementation of elections to fill vacancies arising from the defection of serving members of the National and State Assembly from one political party to another.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman Rotimi Oyekanmi Friday 28 February, 2025 states that while no specific instances of the alleged selective action were presented, the statement specifically accused the Commission of deliberate failure to fill the vacancies resulting from the protracted crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly where two factions are jostling for control. In the midst of the crisis, three or so lawmakers have declared the seats of 27 members vacant and vice versa.
Rotimi further stated that while the Commission is aware of the situation in the Rivers State House of Assembly, the matter is pending in court and, therefore, subjudice.
He noted that for the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has been joined in several suits filed by litigants at various courts, including the Supreme Court. Under the circumstances, the Commission must await the final judicial pronouncement on the matter before it embarks on a puerile exercise that may eventually amount to a nullity and a waste of public funds.
We urge people occupying high public offices to be circumspect in their public statements before they mislead the public and cast aspersion on public institutions, particularly where they are aware of the pendancy of cases in court.
INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. This commitment is guided by the commission’s values of autonomy, transparency, integrity, and credibility.
