Wike Says Emergency Rule in Rivers to End as Council Elections Conclude

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has confirmed that the state of emergency in the region will come to an end following the successful conduct of local government elections on Saturday. Wike, who cast his vote in Rumepirikom, Obio/Akpo Local Government Area, stated that the elections, which proceeded without any major incidents, marked a return to normal governance.

The emergency rule, which had been declared by President Bola Tinubu in March due to rising political tensions between Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, had placed the state under direct federal control. “With these elections, the state now has its elected local government officials, and the path is clear for the emergency to be lifted,” Wike said, adding that this would pave the way for the restoration of full local governance by September 18.

Wike also expressed satisfaction with the peaceful nature of the elections, noting that the process had been free from violence or irregularities. He praised President Tinubu for ensuring the elections were conducted, which will allow local governments to begin receiving their full financial allocations directly.