The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the local government election in Rivers State.
Wike, who spoke after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 (Rumuepirikom Kingdom), Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the poll was held, saying the step would guarantee elected leadership at the grassroots.
“Since the Supreme Court has said there is nothing like caretaker committees in local governments, if there are no elected people, funds will not come from the Federation Account to the local government accounts. So, if the emergency rule is lifted and there is no local government election, we will still have the same problem,” he said.
The minister also applauded the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC; for what he described as the successful conduct of the exercise, while commending residents for turning out in large numbers.
He noted that voter turnout varied between commercial and residential areas but stressed that participation was encouraging across the state.
Wike said Rivers people were excited to have their own contest in the election, adding that reports from rural communities confirmed strong participation. He dismissed fears that the Supreme Court might nullify the process, insisting that the poll was valid and lawful.
“There was no election by law, the Supreme Court said there was no election. Today we are holding an election, that is why you see people coming out to cast their votes. If you do something that is not known to law, of course, it will be set aside. Now that the process is very clear and known to law, nobody is worried,” he stated.
The minister maintained that with the conduct of the election, local governments were now assured of getting funds directly from the Federation Account in line with the apex court’s ruling. He said the successful exercise would go a long way in stabilising governance at the grassroots.
“That is why we have to thank Mr President for making sure that this election is conducted,” Wike said, adding that elected chairmen and councillors would be sworn in to complete the structure of government in the state when the emergency rule is lifted in September.
