The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has praised the conduct of Rivers State’s local government elections, describing them as successful and fully compliant with the Supreme Court’s directives.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the elections were a crucial step toward strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring financial autonomy for councils.
Casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Wike lauded President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the polls.
He explained that Supreme Court rulings had made it clear that “there is nothing like caretaker committees in local governments,” meaning funds would only flow to councils with elected officials.
“Now that the local government election is taking place, elected representatives will receive funds directly from the Federation Account,” Wike said.
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The former Rivers State governor also commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for organising what he described as a smooth and well-coordinated process, and he praised residents for actively participating.
“I want to thank RSIEC for carrying out a successful election. From what I can see in my community, turnout is strong. In residential areas, people came out in large numbers, while commercial areas naturally had fewer voters. Reports from rural communities also indicate high participation,” he said.
Addressing concerns about possible legal challenges, Wike dismissed fears of nullification, emphasising that the process was “very clear and known to the law.”
He added that the elections would help complete the governance structure in the state once emergency rule is lifted in September.
“Without these elections, councils cannot receive funds directly from the Federation Account, as mandated by the Supreme Court. Thanks to Mr President, these elections have been conducted, ensuring that local governments can function properly and receive their due resources,” the Minister concluded.
