Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set to return to office on September 18, alongside the state House of Assembly, to work with newly elected local government chairmen and councillors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced.

Wike, speaking after voting at Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area during Saturday’s local government elections, said the collaboration between state and local officials is crucial to strengthen governance at the grassroots level.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for ensuring the elections were conducted, explaining that without them, local governments would be unable to access funds from the Federation Account. “With these elections, governance will be complete when the emergency rule ends,” Wike said.

Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, described the elections as unusually peaceful. “Voters came out calmly, and there were no disruptions,” he noted.

However, reports from Obio-Akpor LGA showed very low voter turnout. Some youths took advantage of the quiet streets to play football, claiming that the results were already decided and their votes wouldn’t count.

The low participation has raised concerns about voter engagement, even as officials stress the importance of the elections for smooth local governance and proper access to federal funding.