The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said with the conduct of the Rivers local government elections, the end to emergency rule in the state is closer.
Wike spoke on Saturday in Rumepirikom, Ward 9, Unit 007, Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of the state after voting in the Rivers council elections.
He added “So, having done this, then the coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted, meaning that the local government has representatives, the state government has its own elected representatives, so we are good to go,” he told the press after exercising his franchise.
“I do know that by September 18, the state of emergency will expire, and that would mean that the state governor and state assembly will come back to their job, and we will have a government at the grassroots level”.
The Minister who was once a council chairman, said “I am very happy. It means that people identify with the elections,” Wike, who was surrounded by supporters, said, dismissing concerns about voter apathy.
“You have not heard of any violence. You have not heard of [people] carrying ballot boxes. You see that the electoral materials are there. People are there casting their votes. As far as we are concerned, the elections are very peaceful.
“Of course, we are concerned [about low turnout], but people are trooping out. Before the elections close, you will see the number of persons [increase]. So, we are very happy that, at the end of the day, these elections have been conducted very peacefully and successfully.”
