The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has lauded the conduct of the local government elections in Rivers State, characterizing them as a resounding success and a testament to adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives. In a statement issued on Saturday, Wike emphasized the significance of these elections in bolstering grassroots governance and ensuring financial autonomy for local councils. He cast his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom, in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, and commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the successful execution of the polls.
Wike underscored the Supreme Court’s pronouncements that effectively abolished the concept of caretaker committees in local government administration. This legal clarification established the principle that financial resources would only be disbursed to councils with duly elected representatives. With the successful conclusion of the local government elections, the elected officials are now poised to receive funds directly from the Federation Account, ensuring the financial viability and operational efficiency of these crucial grassroots governance structures.
The former Rivers State governor also expressed his appreciation for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for orchestrating a seamless and well-coordinated electoral process. He acknowledged the active participation of residents, noting the robust turnout in residential areas, while recognizing the predictably lower voter presence in commercial districts. Reports from rural communities also indicated substantial participation, reflecting a widespread engagement with the electoral process across the state.
Addressing concerns regarding potential legal challenges to the election results, Wike dismissed such apprehensions, emphasizing the clarity and legality of the entire process. He expressed confidence that the elections would withstand any legal scrutiny and would serve to solidify the governance framework within the state, particularly with the anticipated lifting of emergency rule in September. The successful conduct of these elections, he affirmed, is crucial for completing the governance structure and ensuring the smooth transition towards normalized administration.
Wike reiterated the importance of the elections in enabling local councils to receive their constitutionally mandated allocations from the Federation Account. He stressed that without these elections, the councils would have been precluded from directly accessing these funds, hindering their ability to effectively serve their communities and implement development initiatives. The Minister attributed the successful conduct of the elections to President Tinubu’s support, highlighting the President’s commitment to strengthening local governance and ensuring that local governments receive the necessary resources to fulfill their responsibilities.
In conclusion, Wike’s commendation of the Rivers State local government elections highlights the significance of these polls in establishing a legitimate and functional local government system. The successful conduct of the elections, adherence to Supreme Court directives, and the active participation of residents all contribute to strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring financial autonomy for local councils. The elections pave the way for a more robust and responsive local governance structure, empowering local communities and facilitating development initiatives at the grassroots level. The successful completion of this electoral process, according to Wike, marks a crucial step towards achieving comprehensive and effective governance in Rivers State.
