Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, will be reinstated on September 18, 2025. Wike stated that the path is now clear for the lifting of the state of emergency earlier declared in the state.
He made this known after casting his vote around 11:00 a.m.at Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, during the Local Government Area (LGA) elections organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Despite elections taking place across 319 wards in 23 LGAs, the exercise was marred by widespread voter apathy, logistical delays, and missing result sheets. Turnout was notably low in urban centers, although some rural communities saw relatively better participation.
Observers criticized the non-deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), while late arrival of materials plagued polling units in Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Emohua, and other areas. RSIEC officials reportedly struggled with manpower and distribution issues, causing significant delays.
In defiance of the police-imposed restriction of movement, daily activities continued in many parts of the state, with some markets operating partially.
At several locations, including Ward 5 in Emohua LGA and areas in Ikwerre, Khana, and Opobo/Nkoro,Governor Fubara’s home LGA,voters and party agents decried the absence of original result sheets.
In Elelewo, Unit 18, Ward 5, PDP agent Nyebuchi Chindablamed the slow process on the manual, unit-to-unit distribution of materials.
Despite the setbacks, PDP candidates voiced confidence. Dr. Gift Worlu, Chairmanship candidate for Obio/Akpor LGA, acknowledged the late start but described the turnout as a show of public support for the party’s vision.
“It is better it came late than never,” Worlu stated. “We are happy to see our people participating. This reflects the success of our campaign and the people’s desire for unity and progress.”
Worlu pledged to run a people-centered administration if elected.
Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, also commended RSIEC, describing the polls as peaceful and credible. After casting his vote, Chinda noted an improved process with no visible signs of intimidation or malpractice.
Sir Allwell Ihunda, Chairmanship candidate for Port Harcourt City LGA, dismissed claims of voter apathy, maintaining that people were participating and the process was fair. He credited his chances of re-election to his developmental projects across all 20 wards in his first term.
Meanwhile, Wike praised the peaceful conduct of the elections and noted that the successful completion of the polls now paves the way for the end of emergency rule in Rivers State.
“I’m very happy,” Wike said. “There’s no violence, ballot box snatching, or disruption. With this, the coast is clear. The local governments now have elected representatives. The state government is also in place. We are good to go.”
While he expressed concerns over the absence of BVAS, Wike emphasized that the peaceful conduct of the elections was a positive sign of democratic progress in the state.
As of press time, collation of results was ongoing in several LGAs across Rivers State.
