Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the polls were conducted in line with constitutional provisions.
According to him, the elections are crucial for stabilising governance at the grassroots, particularly following the Supreme Court’s ruling that caretaker committees in local governments are unconstitutional.
“Since the Supreme Court ruled against caretaker committees in LGAs, if there are no elected people, funds will not come from the Federation Account to the local government accounts,” he said.
The minister explained that the successful conduct of the elections would allow local governments to receive direct funding and function effectively once the emergency rule in the state is lifted in September.
“With the emergency rule expected to be lifted by September 18, and the governor and state House of Assembly restored, governance at the local level will be strengthened,” he added.
Wike also commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for organising the polls and praised residents for turning out in large numbers across both city and rural areas.
He expressed optimism that by the end of the exercise, elected officials would emerge and be sworn in, restoring full recognition to local government authorities.
Dismissing fears that the elections could be invalidated, he stressed that the process was transparent and legally recognised.
“Today we are holding an election that is known to law; people are coming out to cast their votes for whoever they want to represent them at the local government.
“You can see the large turnout in my community (Rumuepirikom). I have also received reports that voters came out en masse in other areas, especially rural communities,” Wike said.
The Minister urged citizens to support the electoral process, noting that elected representatives at the grassroots are essential for effective governance and development.
