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Fubara Announces Public Holiday, Restricts Movement On Thursday, Friday For LG Election
Fubara Announces Public Holiday, Restricts Movement On Thursday, Friday For LG Election . The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared Thursday and Friday – October 3 and 4 as public holidays ahead of the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, Fubara said his government remains committed to upholding the Constitution of Nigeria and abide by the rule of law and the principles of democracy.
According to him, any failure by his administration to conduct the local government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no State Government must administer the Local Government Councils in Nigeria with unelected officers.
While stating that the government has made the necessary provision to Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of the election, Fubara said the two days public holiday will enable residents of the state to journey to their various communities to fully participate in the Saturday, October 5, election.
Fubara also ordered strict restrictions on vehicular movement for residents from midnight on Friday, October 4 to 5pm on Election Day.
The full text of Fubara’s statewide broadcast reads: “My dear people of Rivers State, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the Chairmen and Councilors of the 23 Local Government Councils on the 17th of June 2023, I lawfully instituted Caretaker Committees to temporarily administer the 23 Local Government Areas pending when the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) would conduct the Local Government Elections in the State.
“However, to entrench sustainable democracy and good governance in the country’s local government system, the Supreme Court of Nigeria by its judgement in SC/CV/343/2024: A-G Federation v A-G Abia State and 35 Ors delivered on 11th July 2024 effectively outlawed the administration of our local government councils with unelected officers and made several orders including the immediate stoppage of statutory allocations to Local Government Councils without democratically elected local government councils.
“Following Mr President’s intervention, the period for compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment was graciously extended by three months, which will expire on the 31st of October 2024.
“On the strength of these positive developments, I directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to take definite steps to conduct local government elections for the 23 local Government Councils of Rivers State.
“Acting per this directive the RSIEC has since fixed and concluded all arrangements to conduct the Local Government Council election on Saturday 5th October 2024.
“The legal impetus of RSIEC to conduct the local government elections was further strengthened by the judgment of the Rivers State High Court in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024 delivered on the 4th of September 2024, which positively directed the Governor of Rivers State, the Government of Rivers State and the RSIEC to conduct the scheduled local government elections on the 5th of October 2025 using the 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission’s Voters Register already in the custody of RSIEC.
“As of today, RVSIEC has expressed and demonstrated concrete and verifiable capacity and readiness to conduct the 2024 Rivers State Local Government Elections on the 5th of October 2024.
“As of today, 17 out of 18 registered political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, have expressly and actively demonstrated. their willingness to participate by filling candidates with RSIEC for the election.
“As of today, over 10 States in Nigeria have conducted Local Government Council Elections using the 2023 INEC Voters’ Register since the Supreme Court’s judgment and Rivers State cannot be an exception.
“As the Governor of Rivers State, I swore to uphold the Constitution of Nigeria and abide by the rule of law and the principles of democracy.
“Any failure on our part to conduct the Local Government election would be a clear disobedience of the Supreme Court’s mandatory order that no State Government must administer the Local Government Councils in Nigeria with unelected officers with the attendant consequence of the State and the people being denied the statutory allocations due to the 23 local government areas of the State.
“The Rivers State Government would also be acting in contempt of the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, which restrains the Governor, the State Government, and RSIEC from scuttling the conduct of the local government elections scheduled for October 5th, 2024.
“Consequently, on the strengths of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, the Supreme Court Judgment in SC/CV/343/2024, and the judgment of the High Court of Rivers State in Suit No: PHC/2696/CS/2024, I hereby reiterate that the Rivers State Government is irrevocably committed to conducting the local government elections on the 5th day of October 2024.
“Against these backgrounds, I wish to assure every resident that the election for the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State shall be held on Saturday 5th October 2024 throughout the State.
“The State Government has provided the necessary funds and logistics for RSIEC, which has assured me that it is fully prepared and ready to conduct and deliver a fair, free, and credible Local Government Council election as scheduled.
“Therefore, I wish to advise and request all registered voters to go to their polling units to exercise their franchise by voting for the candidates of their choice as security personnel would be there to maintain order and ensure peaceful polls as a matter of constitutional duty.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to enable all registered voters to travel to their communities to participate and peacefully exercise their civic responsibility at their polling units.
“To this end, I hereby declare Thursday and Friday, the 3rd and 4th of October 2024 as public holidays for citizens to travel to their communities and participate in the election.
“Furthermore, I hereby place a total restriction on vehicular and human movements into, within, and out of the State, and the Local Government Areas, from midnight of Friday 4th October 2024 to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 5th October 2024, except for persons and vehicles valid identifications who are on election and other essential duties.
“The police and other security agencies have clear directives from the State’s Security Council to arrest and prosecute any person or group who attempts to violate the restriction on human and vehicular movements on election day.
“I wish to appreciate the State’s Security High Command for their cooperation and commitment to effectively secure the State and ensure peaceful trouble-free local government elections.
“As citizens, we all owe our State the commitment to support the RSIEC to succeed in delivering on its constitutional duty to conduct a free, fair, and credible Local Government Council election to usher in a new set of democratically elected leaders to administer the 23 Local Government Councils.”
The founder and pioneer National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has said the party has not yet reached a final decision on zoning its presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that Nwosu made this known in an interview with Punch, while responding to calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the North to produce the next president.
He explained that the ADC currently maintains an open structure regarding its presidential ticket, giving all regions equal opportunity to contest.
According to him, “In ADC, it is open.”
Nwosu noted that zoning had been a subject of discussion during coalition negotiations, with some Northern stakeholders arguing for fairness based on political rotation since 1999.
He said some young Northerners who visited him argued that since the return to democracy, power has been shared unevenly between the North and South, which influenced how he now views the debate.
He added that while he had not initially considered it from that angle, the argument reflects a political reality being discussed within the system.
On how the party intends to choose its presidential candidate, Nwosu said the ADC is considering two possible methods—consensus and direct primaries.
He explained that if stakeholders agree, a consensus arrangement would be adopted, but where disagreements arise, the party would proceed with direct primaries, and the winner would emerge as the flagbearer.
Nwosu also disclosed that several prominent politicians have indicated willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate, regardless of outcome.
He mentioned figures such as Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi as those who have reportedly made such commitments, adding that he expects Rabiu Kwankwaso to also take a similar stance.
He stressed that transparency remains central to the ADC’s internal processes, noting that this principle guided the party’s leadership structure and decision-making.
According to him, the leadership arrangement, including the role of David Mark, was supported because of the need for credible and transparent primaries within the party.
Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on Nigerians both within the country and in the diaspora to actively participate in the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the appeal in a video posted on his official handle on Monday night.
The former Kano State governor urged citizens, particularly young people, to complete their voter registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the polls.
He also encouraged Nigerians to register with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the coalition party positions itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said, “Fellow Nigerians, it is time for every eligible Nigerian young and old, in the cities and in the villages, at home and in the diaspora to take two decisive steps:
“Register to vote with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without delay.
“Register with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”
Meanwhile, a factional leader within the ADC, Nafi’u Bala Gombe, has dismissed any engagement with Kwankwaso, claiming his past actions towards the North make such discussions meaningless.
Speaking in an interview with Premier Radio in Kano, Gombe accused Kwankwaso of failing to act in the best interest of Northern Nigeria when he had the opportunity.
He further alleged that Kwankwaso contributed to the region’s political setbacks, insisting he did not use his past positions to bring meaningful development.
Gombe said Kwankwaso once reached out with suggestions on solutions for the North, but he rejected the idea, accusing him of failing the region when it mattered most.
He also claimed that Kwankwaso’s participation in the last general election weakened the North’s political influence, especially with other major contenders in the race.
The ancient town of Kishi in Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State came alive on Monday as indigenes and visitors gathered to celebrate the centuries-old Adasobo Festival, a cultural event deeply tied to the identity and heritage of the people.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The festival, which attracts sons and daughters of Kishi from across Nigeria and the diaspora, is marked by traditional rites, symbolic performances, and communal gatherings that reflect the town’s rich cultural history.
During a visit by our correspondent on April 20, 2026, key locations such as the palace of the Iba of Kishi and Ansarudeen School—situated near the town’s market and serving as major festival grounds—were filled with activity. Chiefs, elders, and residents all gathered in colourful traditional attire to observe the rituals and pay homage to the monarch.
Royal Presence And Cultural Celebration
The Iba of Kishi sat in state as traditional chiefs and subjects paid homage in line with long-established customs. The palace courtyard was filled with drumming, chants, and cultural performances that entertained the gathering.
The monarch and his wife were seen enjoying the festivities while awaiting the return of hunters who had gone into the forest as part of the festival’s traditional rites.
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Laha of Kishi land, Dr Yusuf Adeleke Ibrahim, described the Adasobo Festival as a strong symbol of unity and identity for the people.
He explained that the hunters’ expedition into the forest and the presentation of their catch form a key part of the tradition, with rituals performed upon their return.
According to him, the festival is not only a celebration but also a reminder of ancestral roots and communal bonds.
Another traditional leader added that the festival helps younger generations reconnect with their heritage at a time when modern influences are gradually affecting cultural practices.
Hunters’ Return Highlights Festival
A major highlight of the celebration was the return of local hunters from the surrounding forests with animals they had successfully hunted. Their arrival was met with excitement as residents lined the streets to welcome them.
The display of the hunted game is symbolic, representing courage, skill, and the historical importance of hunting in the community’s way of life.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival also boosted social and economic activities in the town, with traders, food vendors, and artisans recording increased patronage as visitors thronged the area.
Reunions, music, and celebrations filled the streets as families and friends came together for the occasion.
Grand Finale Ahead
Dr Ibrahim also announced that the grand finale of the Adasobo Festival will take place on Saturday, with dignitaries and neighbouring communities expected to attend.
Residents expressed anticipation for the closing ceremony, which is expected to feature more elaborate cultural displays and larger crowds.
For the people of Kishi, the Adasobo Festival remains more than a cultural event—it is a living tradition that preserves their history, celebrates their identity, and strengthens their unity.
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