FCT Minister praises Tinubu, RSIEC for smooth conduct, says elected councils to enjoy direct funding under Supreme Court directive
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the peaceful and well-coordinated conduct of the Rivers State local government elections, describing the exercise as a landmark development for grassroots democracy and financial autonomy in the state.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the former Rivers governor declared that the polls had fully complied with the directives of the Supreme Court, which outlawed the use of caretaker committees in local councils.
According to Wike, the exercise signified a bold step in deepening Nigeria’s democratic system by ensuring that funds from the Federation Account would henceforth go directly to democratically elected local government officials, thereby strengthening governance at the grassroots level.
“The Supreme Court has made it very clear that there is nothing like caretaker committees in local governments,” he said. “Without elected officials, councils cannot access their statutory allocations. Now that the elections have been conducted, local governments will receive their funds directly, as the law provides.”
Wike used the opportunity to applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the electoral process, stressing that the President’s commitment to constitutional order made the elections possible. He further praised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for what he described as a “smooth and well-coordinated exercise,” noting that the commission had lived up to expectations in organising a credible process.
Expressing satisfaction with voter turnout, the FCT Minister observed that while commercial hubs witnessed naturally lower participation due to economic activities, residential and rural communities recorded massive turnouts. “From what I can see in my community, turnout is impressive. Reports from rural areas also indicate strong participation,” he noted.
On fears of possible litigation or nullification of the exercise, Wike dismissed such concerns, insisting that the process was legally sound and clearly backed by constitutional provisions. “The elections are very clear and known to the law,” he maintained.
The former governor emphasised that the conduct of the polls was critical to completing the governance structure in the state, especially ahead of the expiration of emergency rule in September. He added that with the successful conclusion of the elections, Rivers State local governments would be better positioned to discharge their statutory responsibilities and benefit fully from financial autonomy.
Wike concluded by reiterating his appreciation to President Tinubu, RSIEC, and the people of Rivers State for making the elections a success, assuring that the development marked “a new dawn for grassroots governance” in the state.
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