Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has indicated that Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, will be reinstalled on September 18. He has emphasised that the state of emergency has been lifted.
Wike made the statement shortly after voting in the Local Government Area elections held by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, or RSIEC, at approximately 11:00 am in Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor LGA.
However, severe voter apathy, delayed material delivery, and reports of missing original result sheets plagued the election, which took place across the state’s 319 wards and 23 local government regions. Voter turnout was low at most polling places, particularly in metropolitan areas, but it was comparatively higher in several rural communities.
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, or BVAS, was reportedly not used during the polls, which drew condemnation from several political actors and observers.
Due to RSIEC’s logistical difficulties, materials have not yet reached a number of polling places in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Emohua, and other LGAs as of 10:00 am. Voting was delayed because electoral officers were apparently still sifting papers and struggling with manpower shortages at several Registration Area Centres (RACs).
Many locals continued about their everyday lives despite the police-issued restriction of movement order, with several local markets only partially operational.
When voting finally started, the lack of original result sheets caused objections in a number of places. Voters and party representatives in Ward 5 of Emohua LGA expressed worry over the lack of essential election materials in several units in Ikwerre, Khana, Obio/Akpor, and even Opobo/Nkoro LGA—home of the suspended governor.
Nyebuchi Chinda, a PDP agent in Elelewo, Unit 18, Ward 5, blamed the process’s delay on the election officers’ manual distribution of materials as they travelled from unit to unit.
Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates expressed pleasure with the process in spite of the difficulties. Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, the chairmanship candidate for Obio/Akpor LGA, admitted that materials arrived late but characterised the final turnout as an indication of public support for the PDP and its developmental program.
Worlu remarked, “It’s better it arrived late than never.” “That our folks are out here carrying out their civic responsibilities makes us glad. This is evidence of the amazing campaign we conducted, which spoke to our people about the necessity of coming together to face our problems. I think we have a good chance. Democracy needs to be protected.
Worlu pledged to lead a people-centered government if elected and expressed hope that he would win.
Hon. Kingsley Chinda, the House of Representatives’ Minority Leader and representative for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, also praised RSIEC for holding what he called a credible and peaceful election. Chinda, who also voted, said there were no indications of voter intimidation or electoral misconduct and that the process was better organised than past state polls.
“I have already voted, and I sincerely hope and pray that those who are ready and truly committed to service are given the chance to lead,” he stated. Everything has gone smoothly, and I have kept a careful eye on the process. Voters are turning out, and the process runs well.
In addition to expressing trust in the process, Sir Allwell Ihunda, the chairmanship candidate for Port Harcourt City LGA, insisted that the elections were free and fair. People were actively participating in the process, he said, dismissing accusations of voter indifference.
“The process is peaceful and credible,” Ihunda stated. I don’t think there is apathy among voters. Voters are visible. Because of how well I performed during my first term, I think I will win the election. I carried out projects in each of the LGA’s 20 wards, and the locals have noticed our influence.
Speaking about the larger political backdrop, Wike was pleased with how the elections were conducted peacefully. According to him, the state of emergency that was previously imposed in the state can now be lifted because the local elections were successful.
“I am very happy,” Wike declared. It indicates that voters are sympathetic to the election. You haven’t heard of any stealing of ballot boxes or violence. Voters are casting ballots, there are electoral materials available, and the process is proceeding amicably. That’s what counts.
After completing this, it is now possible to lift the state of emergency. We are all set now that the state government has elected officials and the municipal government has representation.
Even though he insisted that the peaceful nature of the election process was an indication of the state’s increasing democratic maturity, he questioned why BVAS was not used in its conduct.
Results were still being compiled as of this writing in a number of local government districts throughout the state.
