The political crisis in Rivers State deepened as Ibierembo Everlyn Thompson, a commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), resigned from her position, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections.
Thompson’s resignation marks the third high-profile exit from the commission in just a few days. It follows mounting pressure from the Rivers State House of Assembly, which had summoned RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired), and his team to explain the funding sources for the controversial elections.
Initially given a 48-hour ultimatum, the Assembly later extended the deadline by 72 hours, raising concerns among RSIEC officials about possible legal consequences. Fearing a potential bench warrant from the Assembly, two other commissioners—Lazberry Nnah and Professor Simeon Weli—resigned last week, also pointing to the Supreme Court’s verdict.
In her resignation letter dated March 9, 2025, and addressed to the RSIEC chairman, Thompson stated:
“I write to formally resign my appointment as a member of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission in charge of Transport, Logistics, and Stores.
“This decision was necessitated by the recent judgment from the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which annulled the October 5, 2024, local government council elections in Rivers State, and the subsequent developments within the state.
“I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, as well as the valuable experiences and insights gained during my tenure. I wish the Commission the very best.”
Her resignation was officially confirmed on Monday, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding the leadership and legitimacy of the state’s electoral body.
