A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.
Justice Peter Lifu made the order on Friday in a ruling on an ex parte application by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court also stopped the Rivers Electoral Commission and Rivers Attorney-General from receiving or using part of the National Voter’s Register relating to Rivers State to conduct Local Government elections in the state.
Additionally, the court barred INEC, Rivers State Electoral Commission, AG Rivers State, IGP, and DSS from taking any further steps in furtherance of the conduct of Local Government elections in Rivers State. The court also restrained the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Service (DSS) from participating or providing security protection for Rivers State Electoral Commission to conduct Local Government elections in the state.
The interim orders are to remain in force pending the determination of the substantive suit in which the APC is challenging the propriety of the conduct of elections in Rivers Local Governments. The court adjourned to August 2 for all defendants to appear before him to hear the substantive matter.
