Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday declared that the successful conduct of the Rivers State local government elections has paved the way for the end of emergency rule in the state.
Wike, who spoke to reporters at Rumepirikom, Ward 9, Unit 007 in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area after casting his vote, said the exercise was peaceful and met all legal requirements.
Six months ago, the Supreme Court annulled a previous local government poll conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Pinnacle Daily recalled that in March, President Bola Tinubu imposed a six-month state of emergency in the state, citing rising political tension between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
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Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the State Assembly, and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.
“With this election, the coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted.
“By September 18, the emergency will expire. The governor and the State Assembly will return to office, and we will now have a government functioning at both the state and grassroots levels,” Wike said.
He commended President Tinubu for insisting that the elections be held, noting that elected officials at the councils can now access allocations directly.
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“The election was peaceful, no violence, no ballot snatching. Voters turned out, materials were available, and people freely cast their ballots. That shows Rivers people are happy to see their representatives back,” Wike added.
He also dismissed fears of legal loopholes, stressing that the poll complied with electoral guidelines.
The state of emergency in Rivers is scheduled to lapse on September 18, when suspended state officials are expected to resume duties.
Governor Fubara and other suspended state officials are expected to resume office on September 18, three weeks from now.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
