By Katherine Abayomi
In a surprise move, two Commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) have resigned from their positions. Dr. Lazbery Nyebuchi Nnah, Commissioner in charge of Budget/Research and Statistics, and Professor Simeon Emenike Weli, Commissioner in charge of Political Parties/Monitoring, submitted their resignation letters on March 7, 2025.
According to their statements, the Supreme Court judgment nullifying the Local Government Areas election held on October 5, 2024, and the current political situation in the state, were cited as reasons for their resignation. The Commissioners expressed gratitude to the Commission for the opportunity to serve.
The resignation comes amidst a controversy surrounding the RSIEC, with the Rivers State House of Assembly summoning the Chairman and Commissioners to appear before the House. The deadline for their appearance was extended to Monday, March 10, 2025.
Efforts to reach Tobins Tamunotonye, Commissioner in charge of Civic Education and Public Affairs, for comment on the resignation were unsuccessful.