The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the successful conduct of the Rivers State local government elections has set the stage for the lifting of emergency rule in the state.
Wike made this known on Saturday in Rumuepirikom, Ward 9, Unit 007, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, shortly after casting his vote.
Six months ago, the Supreme Court nullified a local government election earlier conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Following the ruling, and amid heightened political tension between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in March.
As part of the measure, Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Oduh, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.
Speaking on Saturday’s exercise, Wike dismissed concerns of legal flaws, insisting the polls met all requirements.
He told journalists: “So, having done this, then the coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted.
“Meaning that the local government has representatives, the state government has its own elected representatives, so we are good to go.
“I do know that by September 18, the state of emergency will expire. And that would mean that the state governor and state assembly will come back to their job, and we will have a government at the grassroots level.
“Rivers people are glad to have their own people on the ballot. I have received feedback from across the state showing that many came out to vote, and that makes me very happy.
“I am very happy. It means that people identify with the elections.
“You have not heard of any violence. You have not heard of (people) carrying ballot boxes. You see that the electoral materials are there. People are there casting their votes.
“As far as we are concerned, the elections are very peaceful.
“With this election, local governments can now receive their allocations directly. That is why we must commend President Bola Tinubu for insisting that elections be conducted.
“Without elected officials in place, the councils would have remained excluded from funding.”
