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Local government

Rivers State Conducts Local Government Elections Amid Low Voter Turnout

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declared that the successful conduct of local government elections in Rivers State has cleared the way for the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly to power on September 18, when the state of emergency expires. The elections, conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC), were hailed as peaceful and smooth despite a low voter turnout. However, Governor Fubara and some of his loyalists boycotted the elections, citing concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed optimism that the successful conduct of local government elections in Rivers State has cleared the way for the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly to power on September 18, when the state of emergency expires.
  • The elections were conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC) and were described as peaceful and smooth despite a low voter turnout.
  • Governor Fubara and some of his loyalists boycotted the elections, citing concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.
  • More than 17 political parties participated in the elections, with voting commencing between 10:30 am and 11:30 am in various local government areas.
  • The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), expressed satisfaction with the orderly conduct of the elections, describing it as a decisive and positive step toward restoring full democratic governance at the grassroots level.
  • The suspended Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, also commended the electoral umpire for conducting a transparent election, describing the process as smooth and professional.

Statistics:

  • 7,000 polling units were dispatched across the state for the elections.
  • More than 17 political parties participated in the elections.
  • Voting commenced between 10:30 am and 11:30 am in various local government areas.
  • A low voter turnout was reported, with some polling units seeing a minimal number of voters.
  • The elections were marked by a peaceful and smooth process, with no major incidents reported.

Sources:

  • Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt (This Day)
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allafrica.com)

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