By Joe Udo
PORT HARCOURT (CONVERSEER) – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Rivers State is only “a step away” from the lifting of its emergency rule, following the successful conduct of local government elections across the state.
Wike, who spoke to reporters after casting his vote on Saturday at Rumepirikom, Ward 9, Unit 007 in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, said the development had paved the way for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly to their positions once the emergency rule expires on 18 September.
Elections Conducted Across 23 LGAs
The elections were held in all 23 local government areas of the state, with voter turnout varying between rural and urban centres. While the cities of Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor were largely deserted—with markets, malls, and businesses shut down in compliance with police restrictions—rural communities such as Baroko, Bera, Bidera, and Biera in Ogoniland witnessed significant voter mobilisation led by opinion leaders.
In many city centres, residents chose to stay indoors, and major roads such as Port Harcourt Slaughter Road, Ada George and Elekahia remained empty. Youths were seen playing football on deserted streets, as security patrols enforced order.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), moved across polling stations to monitor the exercise. Election observers, including former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, also witnessed the process.
Suspended Governor Fubara was neither seen in Port Harcourt nor in his Opobo/Nkoro community. Reports suggested that his Ward 5 in Opobo/Nkoro witnessed little activity, while sources claimed he was out of the country. Leaders of the disbanded Simplified Movement were also absent.
Peaceful Exercise, Broad Commendations
Wike described the exercise as peaceful and orderly, dismissing concerns about low turnout in urban areas, which he attributed to the commercial nature of such districts.
“I am very happy with the turnout of people. Reports from the rural areas show that residents came out to exercise their franchise,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the elections, noting that the Supreme Court had ruled that funds from the Federation Account could only be allocated to duly elected local government officials.
“Now that elections have been conducted, funds will go directly to the councils. This stabilises the grassroots and ensures effective governance,” he stated.
Other political leaders also endorsed the credibility of the polls. APC chairmanship candidate in Gokana, Confidence Deko, described the election as “free, fair and most credible.” The party’s South-South Chairman, Victor Giadom, said it reflected unity and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Suspended PDP lawmaker Igwe Aforji (Eleme Constituency) hailed the exercise, acknowledging the orderly conduct and strong voter participation in his area.
Vice Admiral Ibas, in a statement through his media aide Hector Igbikiowubo, said the elections were a decisive step towards restoring democratic governance at the grassroots.
He praised the peaceful conduct of voters and officials, affirming that the process aligned with his mandate to stabilise the state and return it to full democracy.
Rivers Crisis and Emergency Rule
The March 18 declaration of emergency in Rivers by President Tinubu followed months of deep political unrest between Wike and Governor Fubara. The conflict saw the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex and Fubara’s recognition of only four loyal lawmakers as the legislative arm, prompting the Supreme Court to rule that “there is no government in Rivers State.”
Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Assembly for six months, appointing Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator. The crisis had been punctuated by protests, explosions, and threats of violence before a peace meeting was convened in Abuja.
Wike confirmed that key stakeholders, including himself, Fubara, and suspended Speaker Martins Amaewhule, had since reached a settlement, with structures being put in place to restore governance.
With the successful local government elections, Wike expressed optimism that Rivers State is on track to return to democratic order once the emergency rule expires in mid-September.
