The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the conduct of the local government elections in Rivers State clears the coast for democratic structures to return to the state.
Wike, who spoke after casting his ballot at Ward 9, Unit 7 in his hometown, Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the elections were held as part of efforts to restore democracy to the state on September 18.
According to the FCT Minister, the conduct of the LG elections removed what could have been the only major issue between the governor and the State Assembly.
He noted that the polls had cleared every stumbling block that might have triggered a clash between the executive and legislature, even after the state of emergency is lifted.
Wike also referenced the constitution, stressing that there is no provision for caretaker committees at the local government level.
He explained that if the state of emergency had been lifted without the return of democratically elected leadership at the local government level, funds meant for the councils would not be released by the Federal Government.
And that is why we must thanks Mr President for making sure this election is conducted.
“First of all you know that if an election is not conducted, you know that the Supreme Court said there is nothing like a Caretaker Committee at the local government, and if you have no elected people, you know that funds will it come from the Federation Account to the local governments.
“If the emergency rule is lifted and there is no local government election, we will still have the same problem.”
On the legality of the election, and whether it risked being annulled like the previous one, Wike said no election was conducted on October 5, 2024, following the nullification of the process by the Supreme Court.
He expressed confidence that the current election was conducted in line with the law.
“Supreme Court said there was no election and nullified the election. Today we are holding an election, and that is why you see people turning out to also vote.
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