The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the local government election in Rivers State, and described it as a critical step toward stabilising grassroots governance and ensuring councils access their constitutional funding.
Wike, who voted at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 (Rumuepirikom Kingdom), Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, praised residents for turning out in large numbers, especially in residential communities, to participate in the election.
“I want to thank RSIEC for carrying out a successful conduct of local government elections,” he told journalists after voting, adding that “When you go to commercial areas, you don’t expect a large turnout of people, but when you go to residential areas, of course, you expect people to come out. Here in my community, the turnout has been very encouraging.”
The minister dismissed concerns over the legality of the exercise, insisting that the polls were in full compliance with constitutional requirements following the Supreme Court’s ruling that outlawed caretaker committees in local councils.
“There was no election by law before; the Supreme Court said there was no election. Today we are holding a lawful election, that is why you see people coming out.
“If you do something not recognised by law, it will be set aside. Now the process is very clear, so nobody is worried,” Wike said.
He stressed that the election was not only about local representation but also about unlocking direct financial autonomy for councils.
According to him, the Supreme Court’s decision means funds will only be released to democratically elected local governments.
He further said, “That is why we must thank Mr President for ensuring this election is conducted. Without it, funds would not flow from the Federation Account to the councils. Now that the poll is taking place, it means elected leaders will soon emerge and resources will be channelled to the grassroots where they belong.”
Wike noted that the timing of the exercise was also crucial, coming ahead of the expected lifting of the emergency rule in Rivers State in September.
“I do know that by September 18, the state of emergency will expire and the state assembly will come back to their job and we will have a government at the grassroots level.
“By the time the governor and state assembly return, it would have been incomplete without elected local government officials. This election ensures we have representatives at every tier of government, which will bring stability to the grassroots,” he said.
He said that reports from rural areas indicated strong participation.
