The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that the decision to conduct local government elections in Rivers State was made by President Bola Tinubu, not himself, as part of efforts to restore full democratic governance in the state following months of military-backed emergency rule.
Speaking after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 (Rumuepirikom Kingdom) in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Saturday, Wike stated:
“Let it be clear, it was President Tinubu who ordered that the local government elections be conducted in Rivers State, not me.”
He praised the election as a necessary step toward restoring democratic governance at the grassroots level and ensuring that local councils can access their constitutionally guaranteed funding.
Addressing concerns about the legality of the election, the minister referenced a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated caretaker committees and reinforced the need for constitutionally compliant polls. “There was no legal election before. The Supreme Court said so. Today we’re having a lawful election, and that’s why people are coming out,” Wike noted.
He emphasised that the significance of the election goes beyond local representation — it also unlocks financial autonomy for elected councils. “Without this election, funds from the Federation Account would not be accessible to the councils. Thanks to Mr President, elected leaders will now soon emerge, and those resources can reach the grassroots where they belong,” he said.
Wike also pointed to the strategic timing of the polls, coming just before the expected lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State by September 18. He stressed the importance of having elected officials at every level of government to ensure political stability.
“By the time the governor and the state assembly return, it would be incomplete without elected local government officials. This election fills that gap and strengthens grassroots representation,” Wike added.
He concluded by noting reports of strong voter participation from rural communities, further underscoring the legitimacy and wide acceptance of the electoral process.
