The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing local government election in the state. Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, Wike commended the people of the state for participating in large numbers. He noted that the turnout was particularly impressive in residential areas, as expected.
Wike attributed the success of the election to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, and thanked the people of the state for their enthusiasm. He stated that the election was a significant step towards stabilizing the grassroots level, as it would ensure that local governments receive their funds directly from the federation account, as directed by the Supreme Court.
The minister dismissed concerns about the Supreme Court potentially setting aside the election, citing the court’s previous ruling that there was no valid election. He emphasized that the current election was being conducted in accordance with the law, and that the people were exercising their right to vote for their representatives.
Wike also acknowledged the support of the President in conducting the election, which he believed was crucial for the development of the state. He explained that without the election, the local governments would not have received funds from the federation account, even if the emergency rule was lifted. With the election underway, Wike expressed confidence that the grassroots level would be stabilized, and that the state would have elected representatives in place.
The successful conduct of the election is seen as a positive step towards restoring normalcy in the state, particularly with the emergency rule set to be lifted in September. The election is expected to produce elected representatives who will be sworn in and receive funds directly from the federation account, marking a significant milestone in the state’s development.
