By Deborah Nnamdi
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong approval of Saturday’s local government elections in Rivers State, declaring the process to be credible and widely supported by voters across the state.
Speaking after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 (Rumuepirikom Kingdom) in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Wike commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for successfully organizing the elections in line with existing regulations. He dismissed concerns regarding potential legal challenges to the process, assuring that the elections were entirely legitimate.
“I want to thank RSIEC for ensuring the smooth conduct of the local government elections. This is my community, and the turnout here has been very impressive,” Wike said. He noted that while larger residential areas typically see higher voter participation, reports from rural communities also indicated significant engagement, further highlighting the widespread enthusiasm among Rivers citizens to elect their local leaders.
“I have received feedback from across the state showing that many came out to vote, and that makes me very happy,” he added.
Wike also addressed previous concerns regarding the legality of the elections, referring to the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling that voided a previous election conducted by RSIEC. “The Supreme Court had ruled that there was no valid election. What is happening today is legal, transparent, and binding,” Wike explained. “This time, the process is legitimate, and no one is worried.”
The former Rivers State governor further emphasized the importance of the elections in securing financial autonomy for local councils. He explained that the outcome would enable local governments to access funds directly from the Federation Account, in line with the Supreme Court’s directive. “With this election, local governments can now receive their allocations directly,” he said. “That’s why we must commend President Bola Tinubu for insisting that these elections be conducted. Without elected officials, the councils would have remained excluded from funding.”
Looking ahead, Wike also pointed out that the elections would help stabilize governance at the grassroots level, particularly as the state prepares for the expiration of the state of emergency on September 18. “By the time the governor and state assembly return, having elected councils will complete the governance structure,” he noted. “Today’s election ensures that by the end of the day, Rivers will have duly elected grassroots leaders who can be sworn in to serve the people.”
The state of emergency in Rivers, declared by President Tinubu earlier this year, was a direct result of political tensions between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In March, President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Oduh, and members of the Rivers State Assembly for six months, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) as a sole administrator.
As the emergency rule nears its end, Wike noted that the successful completion of the local government elections would pave the way for the state to resume full governance. “The coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted,” he said, stressing that the elections had been peaceful and free of any major incidents.
“I am very happy. People are identifying with the elections. You have not heard of any violence, ballot box snatching, or disruption. Electoral materials were available, and people were peacefully casting their votes,” Wike added.
With the elections now concluded, Wike and others hope the new local government leaders will help restore stability and governance to the grassroots level in Rivers State.
