The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State, describing the polls as a significant step towards stabilising governance at the grassroots level.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 (Rumuepirikom Kingdom) in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Saturday, Wike praised the turnout of voters and commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for organising what he called a successful exercise.
“I want to thank RSIEC for the successful conduct of the local government elections,” the minister said. “This is a local government election, and I expect, particularly, that the media should understand the difference in turnout between commercial and residential areas. Where there are businesses, turnout is often lower, but in residential areas like mine, you can see the strong participation.”
He noted that the people of Rivers State were visibly eager to take part in electing their local representatives and reported high levels of voter engagement, particularly in rural areas.
“Rivers people are happy to have their own people contesting elections,” he said. “I have received several reports from rural communities that turnout has been impressive. I’m very happy with the level of participation.”
On the legality of the elections, Wike was firm in his defence of the process. Addressing concerns that the Supreme Court might annul the exercise, as it did a previous one, the minister clarified that Saturday’s polls were being held in line with the law.
“There was no election previously – the Supreme Court made that clear,” he said. “But today, we are conducting a proper election. People are turning out because they know the process is legal and transparent. When you do something outside the law, it will be nullified. This, however, is being done correctly, and nobody is worried.”
Wike also highlighted the constitutional importance of having elected officials in place at the local level, noting that the Supreme Court has ruled against the use of caretaker committees. He explained that without elected councils, federal allocations to local governments would be withheld.
“That is why we must thank Mr President for ensuring this election was conducted,” he stated. “If elections were not held, local governments would not receive funds from the Federation Account. Now that we have this process underway, it means councils will get the funding they are entitled to.”
He added that the elections were essential in laying the groundwork for political stability in the state as it prepares for the anticipated lifting of the state of emergency in September.
“By the time emergency rule is lifted, the governor and state assembly will return,” Wike said. “But without functioning local governments, the structure would still be incomplete. Now, with today’s election, we are assured of having democratically elected representatives at all levels.”
Wike called on all stakeholders to support the democratic process, emphasising that the successful completion of the elections would help stabilise grassroots governance and promote development across the state.
