Wike: Fubara to Return as Rivers Governor on September 18, State of Emergency to Be Lifted

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, has revealed that suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is expected to return to office by September 18, signaling an end to the political stalemate and the possible lifting of the state of emergency declared in the state.

Wike made the statement on Saturday after casting his vote around 11:00 am at Unit 007, Ward 9, Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, during the Local Government Area elections organised by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

“The coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted,” Wike stated. “The local government now has representatives, the state government has its own elected officials, so we are good to go.”

Low Turnout, Delays, and Missing Materials Mar Local Polls

The local government elections, conducted across 319 wards and 23 LGAs, were marked by voter apathy, late arrival of materials, and missing original result sheets. Many polling units, especially in urban centres like Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor, recorded low voter turnout, though participation was better in some rural areas.

There were also widespread reports that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was not used—prompting concerns from political observers and parties.

At 10:00 am, many polling units across key LGAs had not received materials, with RSIEC facing significant logistics and manpower challenges. In several locations, materials were still being sorted at Registration Area Centres (RACs), delaying the start of voting.

Despite a police restriction of movement, daily activities continued in many parts of the state, with some markets even partially open.

Voters, Agents Decry Lack of Result Sheets

Concerns were raised in areas such as Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, and Opobo/Nkoro — Governor Fubara’s LGA — over the absence of original result sheets. In Elelewo, Unit 18, Ward 5, PDP agent Nyebuchi Chinda said the delay was due to manual distribution of materials by RSIEC officials.

Mixed Reactions from PDP Candidates and Leaders

Despite the challenges, PDP candidates expressed satisfaction with the electoral process:

• Dr. Gift Worlu, PDP chairmanship candidate for Obio/Akpor, acknowledged delays but praised voter turnout, stating:
  

  “It is better it came late than never… This is a testament to the incredible campaign that we ran.”

• Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, described the process as peaceful and well-organized, saying:
  

  “Everything has been peaceful. People are coming out to vote, and the process is seamless.”

• Sir Allwell Ihunda, chairmanship candidate for Port Harcourt City LGA, rejected claims of voter apathy, insisting:
  

  “The process is credible and peaceful… I believe I will win because of my performance during my first tenure.”

Wike Criticizes Non-Use of BVAS but Lauds Peaceful Polls

While praising the peaceful nature of the elections, Wike questioned the non-deployment of BVAS, noting it was a missed opportunity to deepen electoral credibility. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism that the elections reflect growing political maturity in Rivers State.

“You have not heard of any violence or ballot box snatching… That’s what matters,” he said.

At the time of this report, collation of results was ongoing in various LGAs across the state.