By Muhammad Mamman
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the successful conduct of Rivers State’s local government elections has paved the way for the lifting of the state of emergency currently in place.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday in Rumuepirikom, Ward 9, Unit 007, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, shortly after casting his vote.
He recalled that six months ago, the Supreme Court nullified a previous local government election conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). In March, President Bola Tinubu imposed a state of emergency on the state, citing escalating tensions between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Under the declaration, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Oduh, and members of the State Assembly were suspended, while Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) was appointed sole administrator.
Speaking on Saturday’s poll, Wike maintained that the exercise was held in full compliance with electoral laws and dismissed fears of legal flaws.
“With this election, the coast is now clear for the state of emergency to be lifted. Local governments now have elected representatives, and the state government will soon return with its own elected officials. By 18 September, when the emergency lapses, governance at both state and grassroots levels will resume fully,” he said.
The former Rivers governor commended the high voter turnout and the peaceful atmosphere across polling units, noting the absence of violence or ballot snatching.
“I have received encouraging reports from across the state. People came out to vote, electoral materials arrived on time, and the process has been very peaceful. This shows that Rivers people strongly identify with this election,” he said.
Wike also praised President Tinubu for insisting on democratic processes, stressing that elected councils can now access their statutory allocations directly from the Federation Account.
“Without this election, local governments would have remained excluded from funding. The President deserves commendation for ensuring that democracy takes root at the grassroots,” he added.
