Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State will expire as scheduled on September 18. This development is expected to pave the way for the Rivers State Assembly to resume its legislative duties. Wike made this statement after participating in the ongoing local government election in Rivers State, which he described as peaceful and successful.
The state of emergency was declared by President Bola Tinubu to prevent a potential political crisis in the state. As part of this declaration, Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly were suspended for a period of six months. However, with the local government election having taken place, Wike believes that the conditions for lifting the state of emergency have been met.
According to Wike, the successful conduct of the local government election demonstrates that the state is ready to return to normalcy. He stated, “As far as we are concerned, this election is peaceful, people are trooping out and at the end of the day the election has been conducted successfully and peacefully.” Wike further emphasized that with the state government and local government having their representatives in place, the groundwork has been laid for the state of emergency to be lifted.
The expiration of the state of emergency on September 18 is expected to mark a significant turning point for Rivers State, as it will enable the state assembly to reconvene and facilitate the functioning of government at the grassroots level. Wike’s comments suggest that the political situation in the state is stabilizing, and the focus is now on restoring democratic institutions and processes. As the scheduled expiration date approaches, attention will be focused on the next steps to be taken by the federal government and the implications for the state’s political landscape.
