The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, along with the state House of Assembly, will be reinstated on September 18.
This decision follows the conclusion of the local government councils election, which Wike believes will help strengthen governance at the grassroots level by enabling collaboration with newly elected chairmen and councillors.
Wike made the announcement shortly after casting his vote at Ward 9, Unit 7, Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, during the local government election on Saturday.
He commended President Tinubu for ensuring the timely conduct of the elections, which, according to Wike, was necessary to prevent the re-establishment of caretaker committees at the local government level.
The Supreme Court had previously ruled that caretaker committees were unconstitutional.
“We must thank Mr. President for taking the bold step to ensure this election was conducted. If the election had not taken place, it would have meant that funds could not be released from the federation account to the local governments,” Wike explained.
He emphasized that the elections were crucial for enabling elected officials to access funds from the federation account, which would support local development.
Wike also assured that with the successful completion of the local government elections, the state of emergency in Rivers would be lifted on September 18.
This would allow Governor Fubara and the state assembly to resume their duties, ensuring a complete governance structure at both the state and local government levels.
“By the time the state of emergency is lifted on September 18, the Governor and the State Assembly will return, and with the local government elections now concluded, the governance system will be complete,” Wike added.
