“Fubara to return September 18″ – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is expected to return to office on September 18.

Wike made this known on Saturday after casting his vote at Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, during the local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

He noted that the exercise had paved the way for lifting the state of emergency earlier declared in the state.

The elections, held across 319 wards and 23 LGAs, were characterised by widespread voter apathy, delayed arrival of materials, and complaints over missing original result sheets.

Many polling units in urban centres witnessed poor voter turnout, while some rural areas recorded comparatively higher participation.

Reports also indicated that the exercise was conducted without the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), raising concerns among observers and political actors.

In some areas, including Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Emohua, voting started late due to logistical setbacks at Registration Area Centres (RACs).

Despite a restriction of movement announced by the police, many residents went about their daily activities, with some markets partially open.

When voting eventually commenced, complaints surfaced in several polling units regarding the absence of original result sheets.

Communities in Emohua, Ikwerre, Khana, Obio/Akpor, and even Opobo/Nkoro, the home of the suspended governor raised concerns over the missing documents.

At Elelewo in Obio/Akpor LGA, PDP agent Nyebuchi Chinda attributed the delays to the manual distribution of materials.

Still, several PDP candidates praised the process. Obio/Akpor chairmanship candidate, Dr. Gift Worlu, described the turnout as encouraging despite late commencement.

He said the exercise reflected public support for the PDP’s developmental programmes.

Similarly, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, lauded RSIEC for organising what he considered a peaceful and credible election, saying there was no evidence of voter intimidation or malpractice.

Port Harcourt City chairmanship candidate, Sir Allwell Ihunda, also defended the credibility of the polls, insisting participation was active and expressing confidence in victory based on his performance during his first term.

Speaking on the political implications, Wike expressed satisfaction with the generally peaceful atmosphere, noting that the elections had legitimised the state’s local governance structures.

“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,” Wike said. “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.”

As at press time, collation of results was still ongoing across the 23 LGAs.

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