The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is likely to be reinstated on September 18. Wike also suggested that the political atmosphere in the state is now conducive for the lifting of the state of emergency earlier declared.
Wike made this known shortly after casting his vote around 11:00 am at Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area during the Local Government elections organised by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The polls, held across 319 wards in 23 Local Government Areas of the state, were plagued by noticeable voter apathy, delayed arrival of voting materials, and widespread complaints about missing original result sheets. While rural communities recorded relatively better participation, most polling units in urban centres were marked by a poor turnout of voters.
Another major concern was the absence of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which many observers and political actors criticised as a setback to the integrity of the exercise.
As of 10:00 am, voting materials had not reached several polling units in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Emohua, and other LGAs. Electoral officers cited logistical problems and manpower shortages at various Registration Area Centres (RACs), which caused significant delays in the commencement of voting.
Despite a restriction of movement order issued by the police, several residents went about their normal activities, with some markets in operation during the election period.
When voting eventually commenced, frustrations mounted in areas like Emohua LGA, Ikwerre, Khana, Obio/Akpor, and Opobo/Nkoro—Governor Fubara’s home LGA—where voters and party agents complained about the non-availability of original result sheets. In Elelewo, Unit 18, Ward 5, PDP agent Nyebuchi Chinda attributed the delays to the slow, manual distribution of election materials by RSIEC officials.
Nevertheless, some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates expressed satisfaction with the overall conduct of the polls. Dr. Gift Worlu, chairmanship candidate for Obio/Akpor, admitted that materials arrived late but praised the eventual turnout, describing it as proof of public support for the PDP’s developmental agenda. He expressed optimism about his chances of victory and pledged to run a people-focused administration if elected.
Similarly, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, commended RSIEC for what he termed a peaceful and well-organised election. He dismissed concerns about malpractice or intimidation, describing the process as seamless.
Sir Allwell Ihunda, chairmanship candidate for Port Harcourt City LGA, echoed similar sentiments, insisting that the exercise was free, fair, and reflective of public confidence in his leadership. He rejected claims of voter apathy, stressing that residents came out to cast their votes, and expressed confidence in securing re-election based on his developmental record in all 20 wards of the LGA.
On the broader political implications, Wike expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the elections, describing it as evidence of democratic maturity in the state. He added that the conclusion of the exercise now paves the way for the lifting of the state of emergency.
Wike stated:
> “I am very happy. It means that people identify with the election. You have not heard of any violence or ballot box snatching. Electoral materials are present, people are casting their votes, and the process is going on peacefully. That’s what matters. So, having done this, the coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted. The local government now has representatives, the state government has its own elected officials, so we are good to go.”
However, he raised concerns about the non-deployment of BVAS in the exercise, though he maintained that the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the polls was a sign of progress in the state’s democratic process.
As of the time of reporting, collation of results was still underway across various LGAs in the state.
