Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing local government elections in Rivers.
Mr Wike made the remarks on Saturday after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA).
He commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the polls were held in line with constitutional provisions.
According to him, the elections are crucial for stabilising governance at the grassroots level, 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.
Mr Wike noted that the successful conduct of the elections would enable local governments to receive direct funding and function effectively once the emergency rule 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.
He commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for organising the elections and praised residents for turning out in large numbers, particularly in city and rural areas.
Mr Wike expressed optimism that by the end of the day, elected officials would emerge and be sworn in, restoring full recognition to local government authorities.
He dismissed concerns that the elections could be invalidated, stating that the process was now legally recognised and transparent.
“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,” Mr Wike said.
The minister urged citizens to support the electoral process, stressing that elected representatives at the local level are essential for effective governance and development.
(NAN)
