By Mandy Willy
The Chairman of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Michael Odey has advocated for the support and partnership of the Civil Society Organizations in ensuring a smooth, free, fair and credible election in 30th of August 2025.
Oey pleaded with them to assist the RSIEC in acting as voters educators and mediators towards the success of August 30th Local Government Council elections.
He said RSIEC is committed to providing a level playing field for all political parties and conducting elections that are free, fair, and credible.
While calling for intensified civic education, particularly in rural areas, he urged CSOs to sustain issue-based engagements to strengthen voter awareness ahead of the polls.
“The meeting will strengthen our relationship with CSOs in the area of voter education. CSOs are the voice that amplifies voter awareness; their role cannot be overemphasized.
Odey maintained that the interactive session is part of preparedness and reaffirming of the commissions commitment to a process that is inclusive, peace and transparent just as he urged the CLO’S to help in reaching out to the people especially those at the rural areas.
RSIEC Commissioner in charge of Budget, Statistics, Research, and Training, Professor Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, disclosed that budgetary provisions for the smooth conduct of the elections have been made. He said non-sensitive materials have been printed, logistics arrangements concluded, and field officers trained.
“We have met with all stakeholders, and necessary preparations are in place to ensure a smooth exercise,” Torbira stated.
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Executive Coordinator of Relief International Africa, Isaac Green, pledged the group’s commitment to working closely with the commission to educate citizens in both rural and urban areas, counter misinformation, and encourage voter turnout.
“Our role is to educate, observe, and ensure communities are involved in the process while trusting in the commission’s ability to deliver. We are not partisan,” Green affirmed.
Our correspondent reports that a representative of the Commissioner of Police also briefed the meeting on security arrangements for the forthcoming polls.
Meanwhile, the RSIEC Commissioner for Administration and Legal Services, Professor Chidi Haliday, confirmed receipt of a list of candidates from the Chief Emeka Beke led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but clarified that the submission was only accepted for record purposes and will not be recognized for the elections.
Haliday explained that the faction did not meet the deadline for the submission of nomination forms and that RESIEC did not monitor its primaries. He stressed that no court has the power to impose an executive on any political party and reiterated that the commission will not interfere in party leadership disputes.
