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Local government

Rivers State Minister Refutes Opposition Claims on Local Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a media briefing, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike refuted claims by opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, that the recent local government elections in Rivers State were unlawful. Wike defended the elections as legally conducted and transparent, citing the absence of violence or electoral malpractice. He took a swipe at Atiku and Obi, questioning their credibility and motivations for criticizing the elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wike defended the local government elections in Rivers State, stating that no court has declared them illegal and that they were free, fair, and backed by law.
  • Wike criticized Atiku for his frequent party switches, pointing out that he has jumped from PDP to Action Congress, APC, back to PDP, and now ADC.
  • Wike questioned Obi's credibility, pointing out that he delayed conducting local elections during his eight-year tenure as Anambra governor.
  • Wike suggested that the opposition's criticism of the elections stemmed from financial motives, noting that they have lost Rivers State as a funding source for their politics.
  • Wike praised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful process during the elections.

Statistics:

  • 20 local government councils were won by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the elections, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 3 councils (RSIEC announcement on Sunday).
  • The elections were held across 23 local government areas in Rivers State on Saturday.
  • The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) was praised by Wike for its role in ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

Sources:

  • "Minister Refutes Opposition Claims on Local Elections in Rivers State" [Newspaper/Media Identifier Not Provided]
  • Statement by Minister Nyesom Wike at media briefing [No Date Provided]
  • RSIEC announcement on Sunday [No Date Provided]

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