Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence in the conduct of the Rivers State local government elections, saying the exercise was peaceful and credible.
Wike, who spoke after casting his ballot at his polling unit in Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, praised residents for turning out in large numbers to choose their grassroots representatives. He explained that while turnout in commercial hubs was low, rural and residential areas saw strong participation.
“People are happy to have their own candidates contesting, and the reports I’ve received from different areas show that voters came out massively,” he said.
He dismissed concerns that the polls could be nullified by the Supreme Court, insisting the election was being properly conducted under the law. According to him, the process will allow elected councils to access funds directly from the federation account, as directed by the apex court.
Wike also stressed that holding the election ahead of the September 18 expiration of the state of emergency was necessary to stabilize governance in Rivers. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the polls went ahead, describing the move as a step toward strengthening local government administration.
“With this election, Rivers will now have duly elected local government officials. Once sworn in, they will access funds directly and deliver at the grassroots,” Wike added.
