The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for enabling the successful conduct of local government elections in Rivers State, describing it as a significant step toward restoring grassroots governance and complying with constitutional provisions.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 in Rumuepirikom Kingdom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Wike expressed satisfaction with the turnout and organization of the ongoing council polls.
He highlighted the importance of conducting elections at the local government level, referencing the Supreme Court’s ruling which declared caretaker committees illegal and emphasized that only elected officials could receive funds from the Federation Account.
“If there are no elected people at the local government level, federal allocations cannot be disbursed. That’s why holding this election is crucial,” Wike stated.
The FCT Minister commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for its role in ensuring a smooth process and encouraged media professionals to understand the difference in voter turnout between commercial and residential areas.
“You can’t expect a huge crowd in commercial areas. But here in my residential community, the turnout is impressive, and I’ve received similar reports from rural areas,” he said.
Wike praised Rivers residents for participating actively in the polls, noting that the people were excited to vote for their own local representatives.
He said the election marks a significant turning point following the political crisis in the state that had earlier led to the declaration of an emergency rule.
“Now that elections are being held and elected officials will emerge, we are confident that local governments can access funds directly and begin to function properly again,” he added.
He dismissed concerns about legal challenges to the polls, asserting that the process now adheres to constitutional standards.
“The previous situation was not recognized by law. But today’s election is lawful and transparent, so no one should worry about its legitimacy,” Wike explained.
He reiterated that the successful conduct of the local government elections paves the way for lifting the emergency rule and restoring full democratic governance in Rivers State.
“With this election, we are completing the structure of governance at the grassroots. By September, when the emergency rule is lifted, both the governor and the state assembly will return, and local governments will already be in place,” he said.
Wike thanked President Tinubu for supporting the process and urged all stakeholders to back the democratic process for the sake of stability and development at the local level.
