The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has called on political parties and candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the August 30 local government elections to pursue their grievances through lawful channels.
Chairman of RSIEC, Michael Odey, made the appeal on Monday, September 1, in Port Harcourt while presenting certificates of return to the 23 chairmen-elect and 319 councillors-elect declared winners of the poll.
“The candidates, who may feel aggrieved, the law has provided a channel for redress. We encourage the use of lawful and peaceful processes,” Odey said.
He also assured that the commission would conduct a post-election review to consolidate lessons and improve its services.
The RSIEC boss urged the elected chairmen and councillors to see their certificates not as trophies but as mandates for service.
“This certificate of return is not only a trophy of triumph, they are mandate for service. To our newly elected chairmen and councillors, govern with humility, transparency and fidelity to the law,” he stated.
Odey further advised the winners to embrace inclusive leadership. “Be a leader to all, supporters and non-supporters alike. The winners take it all. Politics has no place in local governance,” he said.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Calls for EFCC, ICPC to Investigate RSIEC Chairman
While commending security agencies, community leaders, civil society groups and the media for their role in ensuring a peaceful and credible process, he noted, “Sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people and so the ballot they cast is a solemn matter with us.”
Speaking on behalf of the chairmen-elect, Allwell Ihunda of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area praised President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in the state and thanked RSIEC for what he described as a credible election.
“We want to thank our President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for restoring peace in Rivers State and also to thank the Administrator of the state, Rear Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (rtd), for facilitating the peace that has been restored in Rivers State in ensuring that democracy is returned back to the local government councils,” Ihunda said.
He assured that the elected officials would prioritise service delivery.
“We hereby assure you all that the peace that has been restored in Rivers State will continue through the process that has been enshrined today.
“It is one of the elections that I have witnessed in the history of Rivers State, very credible and very peaceful,” he added.